Family events in Aurora, IL

Connect with peers in a safe, welcoming space designed for middle school students. This conversation-based support group offers a place to build connection, receive support, and grow together. Topics may include school anxiety, self-esteem, friendships, coping with stress, the pressure to perform, navigating conflict, and expressing feelings. Attendance follows a flexible, drop-in format, so there is no requirement to be there every month. For sign up or more information, email 21reflections@gmail.com or call 708-404-9337.

Designed for homeschool families, this 50 minute Junior Ninjas class welcomes children ages 6 to 9. After a warmup, a coach guides participants through obstacle stations and short courses, introducing larger challenges with support from an adult or coach when needed. Kids take on elements like monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, rings, and lache movements, along with other kid-sized versions of obstacles featured on television. No prior obstacle experience is required. The curriculum builds on skills introduced in the Lil Ninjas level, focusing on technique, thoughtful approaches to new challenges, and safe exploration of bigger movements while keeping it fun. Instructors update goals, challenges, and course layouts each week to help students steadily develop strong fundamentals.

The Naper Settlement Farmers Market brings free local shopping, live music, activities for kids, and museum programming to the museum’s outdoor park. New this year, Down on the Farm Hour welcomes families with complimentary performances and story time. Adults can take part in free classes on food and nature topics with community organizations and local experts, including backyard chickens and beekeeping. Visitors can also explore the We the People: Naperville and the American Story exhibit and step into historic spaces like the blacksmith shop and a one-room schoolhouse. Admission is free.

Designed exclusively for homeschool families, this Junior Ninjas session at Ultimate Ninjas Academy welcomes kids ages 6 to 9 for a 50 minute class that begins with a warm up and moves into coach-guided obstacle challenges and courses. Participants tackle bigger, more complex elements with support from an adult or coach while building confidence and refining technique. Obstacles may include monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, rings, laches, and other scaled versions of favorites seen on TV. No previous obstacle experience is required, and students who started in Lil Ninjas can continue progressing as instructors introduce fresh goals, challenges, and course layouts each week. The emphasis is on learning safe approaches to new movements, developing strong fundamentals, and having fun.

Mark the Monarch migration while exploring the world of pollinators in a program for children ages 5 to 11 with a caretaker. Participants learn what pollination is and why it matters as they get to know pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and even bats. Hands-on activities include crafting a small shelter to support a migrating butterfly and searching the grounds during a scavenger hunt focused on pollination. Admission is $8 per person.

Celebrate community at the inaugural Coquí 5K Run and Walk, a family-friendly event presented by the Aurora Puerto Rican Cultural Council. The gathering takes place at Phillips Park Mastadon Lake and welcomes runners, walkers, and enthusiastic supporters. A live DJ leads a warm-up before the race gets underway, creating an upbeat atmosphere with music and plenty of positive energy. The focus is on togetherness and supporting a meaningful cause.

Hosted at the Naperville Riverwalk - Grand Pavilion, this community walk rallies support for young women facing breast cancer. Designed for all ages, it turns every step into vital resources and compassionate assistance during a challenging time. Participation may involve walking, donating, or spreading the word, with each action advancing the mission and amplifying the impact.

Ninjas Open Play at Ultimate Ninjas Academy welcomes children ages 3 to 9 for a fun session on the obstacles. Participants can take on bigger ninja challenges with assistance from an adult or a coach. Kids can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with other scaled-down obstacles inspired by those seen on TV.

At Naper Settlement, an early newspaper hawker shares stories about Land of Lincoln legends and their inventions, featuring Marvin Camras with the tape recorder, Laurens Hammond with the electronic keyboard, Levant Richardson with ball bearing roller skates, Charles Pajeau with tinker toys, Ives McGaffrey with the vacuum cleaner, and Whitcomb Judson with the zipper.

Movies Under the Stars concludes with a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas at Venue 1012. The story follows Pumpkin King Jack Skellington as he tries to share Christmas joy, a well meant plan that puts Santa at risk and turns holiday cheer into chaos. Before the feature, activities and seasonal snacks will be available, creating a spooky night in the open air. The film runs 1 hour and 16 minutes. Baxter & Woodman is the event sponsor.

Enjoy outdoor fun at The Growing Place Aurora with live music from Milkmen’s Kids, pumpkin-themed crafts, lawn games, and food. Admission is free.

Ultimate Ninjas Academy invites children ages 3 to 9 to an open play session designed for young ninjas. Participants can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, and many other smaller versions of obstacles seen on TV. Bigger challenges are available with help from an adult or a coach.