Family events in Arlington Heights, IL

Regional growers, food makers, artisans, and neighborhood businesses come together in Wicker Park for a community market centered on sustainability. Browse responsibly grown produce and nutritious foods made with ingredients from nearby farms, sold straight from the people who grow and craft them. The market fosters entrepreneurship by offering a direct-to-consumer platform where vendors can sell, talk with visitors about eating well and sourcing sustainably, and form connections with neighbors. Artisans, performers, and service providers also take part, helping strengthen community ties, support a resilient local economy, and highlight the character of Wicker Park.

Set at Grove 27 in Elk Grove Village, this annual event features a 5K and 10K alongside a one mile fun run for families. Pick the distance that fits your plans, from the longer courses to the family focused mile.

The Illinois Plastic Kit and Toy Show fills the DuPage County Fairgrounds Home Ec and Annex Buildings with 150 tables of collectibles and models. Attendees can buy, sell, trade, or simply browse a wide range of items, including diecast pieces, plastic model kits, cars, trucks, airplanes, military themes, emergency vehicles, muscle cars, Matchbox and Hot Wheels, action figures, and items across many scales, both new and pre-owned. General admission is $8 for adults, and children under 12 are free with an adult. An early bird option is available for $20. Tickets are sold at the door only. Food service is available on site, and parking is free. Dealer spots and pre-ticket sales are not handled by third parties, so avoid anyone attempting to sell spaces or collect payments outside official channels. For show information, call 630-969-1847.

Explore a lineup of vendors, with Astrid's Kitchen offering sourdough artisan loaves, focaccia, and other baked treats. The event takes place in a parking lot across from the post office, and attendees can use the lot at the post office for parking.

Explore small-batch pet food along with healthy treats and chews plus spaw products at Farmers Market+ At The Dole. Everything offered excludes corn, soy, wheat, and sugar, so every selection is a healthy option for your pet.

A neighborhood celebration honoring Avondale’s history and the many cultures that shaped it, with a focus on community connections, creativity, and food. Expect live music, local and global cuisine with a potluck, hands-on arts and cultural crafts, community vendors and spotlight features, bike decorating followed by a parade, chalk art, face painting, and more. Activities also include bike ambassadors, yoga, free cycle, and dedicated cultural programming. The gathering encourages getting to know more neighbors by name, which research links with greater safety, while deepening appreciation for the stories and traditions that make Avondale special. Family friendly and free to attend.

Greater Chicagoland Pagan Pride returns to Riis Park to bring the Pagan community together in a welcoming outdoor gathering. Admission is a donation to Nourishing Hope, and complimentary parking is available in the lots. People of all faiths are welcome, including families and friends. Expect updates on vendors, workshops, entertainers, rituals, and other activities as details are confirmed.

Celebrate the end of summer at a lively car show fundraiser benefiting Wheeling Animal Group Saves. Stroll among classic, custom, muscle, and performance vehicles, cast votes for favorite entries, and see winners announced. Throughout the day there will be food, vendor booths, and activities to enjoy. Animal lovers can meet adoptable pets hoping for new homes, with the possibility of finding a new companion. A suggested donation of $10 covers general entry, and vehicle exhibitors are encouraged to contribute $20. Cash and cards will be accepted, and proceeds directly support animals in need. This family-friendly fundraiser welcomes dedicated car enthusiasts as well as anyone looking for a fun day out.

Guitarra Azul performs live at The Morton Arboretum as part of Festival del Arboles. The show features the full band and highlights new music from the GA album Desert Highway.

Paige and the Kizers brings its pop rock, songwriter-driven sound to Epiphany for an album release show that debuts the new record live for the first time. Led by vocalist and songwriter Paige Kizer, the band presents songs centered on love and light with subtle spiritual themes. General admission is $20 for ages 17 and up and $10 for ages 3 to 16, with additional fees that include tax. Service charges apply to all ticket purchases, and credit card is the only payment option at the door.

Children age 5 and under receive a $2 studio fee. No reservations are required, and walk-ins are welcome. The studio may close early if there are no painters in the studio.

Designed for babies and toddlers younger than two, this play centered group is led by occupational, physical, and speech therapy professionals. Each themed session invites little ones to explore through play while nurturing motor skills, communication, and sensory processing. Caregivers can connect with one another, children can move at a comfortable pace, and the inclusive setting welcomes every participant. All families are welcome, including siblings, and the format is well suited for children with a broad range of developmental needs who benefit from a supportive, therapist guided environment.

Share a creative experience designed for caregivers and children ages 3 to 5. This art group invites little artists and their grownups to create side by side with a variety of engaging materials and thoughtful prompts that spark exploration and connection. Caregivers gain practical strategies to support children’s creativity, independence, and confidence while spending meaningful time together through art and play. Hosted at Create Balance Counseling in Hinsdale.

Enjoy a flexible creative session at Painting with a Twist where you can pop in and pick your project. Options are designed for every age and skill level. Select what you want to make, then follow step by step instructions and browse inspiration guides to bring it to life. Drop in during Pop-In hours or reserve a time in advance. Reservations are needed to hold your preferred Pop-In timeslot, and hours may be adjusted if there are no pre-registrations.

Celebrate American artistic achievement with a free outdoor, walkable exhibition honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. Presented by the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, Walking With Giants showcases ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about 10 feet tall, placed along a route that circles the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. Designed by contemporary artists with input from the community, these works pay tribute to influential figures in visual art, music, theater, and dance, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Discover a casual, creative Pop In and DIY experience at Painting with a Twist. Choose a project you like and make it your own with easy to follow instructions and inspiration guides, welcoming all ages and skill levels. You can drop in during Pop In hours or reserve a timeslot to fit your schedule. A reservation is required to secure a preferred Pop In time, and hours may change if there are no pre-registrations.

The Simple Remedy Duo marks the start of the fall season with a Concerts by the Campfire performance presented by the Bloomingdale Park District. Enjoy live music at Springfield Park beside a cozy campfire, with s’mores available while supplies last. Pack chairs, blankets, and snacks for comfort. Restrooms are available at the concession stand. Admission is free, and the event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

This event centers on Dr. Reed Timmer, an extreme meteorologist and veteran storm chaser with a PhD in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. Known for driving into the heart of severe weather to gather scientific data, he has chased more than 1,000 tornadoes and 50 hurricanes and is among the few to have pursued both an EF5 tornado and a Category 5 hurricane. The program highlights his armored Dominator vehicles and his innovations in sensor deployment using probes, drones, balloons, and rockets. It also covers his real time storm reporting and safety updates on media platforms, along with ongoing work with National Geographic and RadarOmega.

Accredited La Leche League Leaders offer free guidance on infant feeding, with time for questions and conversation among local parents. Anyone who is nursing or pumping is welcome, and babies, young children, partners, and other support people may attend. The meeting takes place in the Storytime Room on the first floor children’s section of the main library in Downtown Oak Park. There is no cost and no RSVP is needed. Free parking is available in the deck beneath the library.

Little ones under 40 inches can climb, bounce, slide, and explore a spacious indoor adventure park designed for active play. Admission is $9.99 per child, Urban Air socks are required and are not included. One parent or guardian is admitted at no charge with each participating child, and tickets are sold on site. On non school days and holidays, guests of all ages may be in the park, and the Jumperoo special offer still applies. For more information, call (630) 584-8171.

Settle in on the sand with blankets for a family-friendly outdoor screening of the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus at Crystal Lake Main Beach. Costumes are encouraged, with a special nod to Sanderson sister looks. Beyond the film, there will be food trucks, a beer garden, games, crafts, and more for all ages. Tickets are available in advance through Eventbrite. Admission is $7 for ages 4 to 12, $10 for ages 13 and older, and free for children under 3, with prices increasing by $5 at the door.

World Ballet Company brings Swan Lake to the stage, weaving a story of destiny and enchantment in a timeless struggle between good and evil. Fifty dancers from around the world perform in more than 150 meticulously sewn costumes against handcrafted sets. Highlights include the Dance of the Little Swans and the Black Swan’s sequence of 32 fouettés, set to Tchaikovsky’s score. The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission and is for ages 5 and over. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company tours beloved classics across the nation, appealing to both first time attendees and longtime ballet fans. The ensemble features professional artists from over ten countries and has appeared in more than 300 cities for audiences totaling more than 500,000.

Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press performs a single set at Harmony Fest in Downtown Arlington Heights.

The 23rd Annual Run for the Kids: Superhero Hustle features a 5K and a 1-mile fun run open to participants of all ages and abilities. After the run, participants can enjoy live music, lunch, raffle prizes, and appearances by superheroes.

At the Park Ridge Farmers Market, the Pennies' KIDS CLUB will be in the kids tent with hands-on craft activities. Families can learn about the club’s children’s service meetups and find out how kids can get involved in volunteering for the community.

Kids ages 7 to 17 can dive into pinball at The Pinball Capital with the Fliptastic Youth Pinball Club, learning how to play and spending time with others who enjoy the hobby. The arcade features 130 machines set to free play, offering plenty of opportunities to practice and explore. Children accompanied by a parent may arrive before opening, with special pricing available during that early period of $5 per child and $10 per adult. A four round match play tournament is held in the back room for any interested kids. The Pinball Capital awards prizes to the winner, and every participant receives a prize.

Chat with CILRA Lab Rescue volunteers and meet dogs from the organization. Learn about adopting and how to volunteer with this Midwest focused Lab rescue.

Now in its 36th year, the Greatest Ferret Show On Earth, also known as GFSOE, is the nation’s longest running ferret show. Exhibitors travel from many places to present their ferrets in judged classes that focus on color, pattern, and structure. This event is the Greater Chicago Ferret Association’s largest annual fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting homeless ferrets cared for by the GCFA Shelter, established in 1987. The organization has helped more than 10,000 ferrets, and each year approximately 250 to 350 arrive through rescue or relinquishment. All ferrets are welcome to participate. Any ferret entering the show hall must have proof of a distemper vaccination or titer completed within the past year. A rabies vaccination is encouraged but not required, and ADV testing is not required. The show is not sanctioned by the American Ferret Association, so placements and points from this event do not apply to the AFA system or Ferret of the Year.

Explore the Kane County Flea Market and look for a honey vendor in the South Trades Building at booth 4. Shoppers can expect liquid and comb honey, honey candy, honey straws, beeswax bars, soap, lotion, lip balm, and other bee-made goods. If the booth location changes, an update will be shared on the vendor’s Facebook page. If the market does not take place or visiting is not possible, their products are also available through partner retailers, on their website, or at Red Hive Market. Admission is $7, and children under 12 receive free entry when accompanied by an adult. The honey vendor is not the event organizer, and any discussion posts offering booth registrations should be treated as scams.

Presented by The Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 974, the fifth annual Reith Radnitzer Memorial Car Show highlights standout vehicles while honoring its namesake. Car owners can participate for a $10 entry fee, with awards recognizing top selections. Food and drinks will be available on site, a cash bar will be open, and a 50/50 raffle will take place. Proceeds support veterans and Legion programs that assist their families. For more information, contact Ted Rabey at 847-507-1086.

Little villains, budding potion makers and mischievous magic lovers can step into a lightly spooky world at Dash of Dust Studio. This interactive mystery adventure features a character meet and greet with photo time, hands-on potion crafting with glow glitter, sensory story time and other immersive moments of make-believe. Treats include a candy apple bar, spooky themed sweet snacks and pretzel rods decorated like magic wands. Every child leaves with a cauldron to take home, a spooky dumpling squishy and a personal drink elixir. Costumes are encouraged, whether a full outfit or a favorite Halloween look. Admission is $100 for one adult and child pair, plus $25 for each additional sibling. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

Kona Ice is featured at Loyola Academy in Wilmette for a Friday Night Lights FUNdraiser benefiting LA Student Activities. A quarter of every sale supports LA Student Activities. Offerings include the Klassic at 12 oz for $5 and the King at 16 oz for $6. The Kolor-Change 16 oz souvenir cup is $7, and refills are $4.

Set at the Lombard Community Building, this PurpleLight event offers an evening dedicated to honoring and remembering.