Family events in Berwyn, IL

Illinois residents can enjoy free Wednesday admission to the Field, with access to general admission exhibitions. Visit SUE and explore with family or science-loving friends. Free Day tickets are limited to Illinois residents. Tickets can be reserved in advance online, and guests should present proof of Illinois residency with mobile tickets for faster entry into the museum. Onsite tickets may be available, subject to availability.

Caregivers and children ages 3 to 5 create art side by side in a friendly setting that emphasizes creativity, exploration, and connection. Participants experiment with a variety of engaging materials through open-ended prompts that spark imagination. Caregivers gain practical ways to support a child’s creativity, independence, and confidence while sharing meaningful time together through art and play. Sessions are hosted at Create Balance Counseling in Hinsdale.

Set your own creative pace at Pop In & DIY at Painting with a Twist. Browse a selection of hands-on projects for every age and experience level, pick the one you like, and craft a personalized piece with the help of clear instructions and inspiration guides. Walk in during Pop In hours or reserve a time to secure a specific timeslot. A reservation is required to hold your preferred time, and hours may be adjusted if there are no advance registrations.

At Chickies in Hillside, car lovers come together for a relaxed meet where you can display your ride or simply browse the lineup. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it easy to connect with fellow enthusiasts. There is no charge to participate or to attend as a spectator.

Pop In & DIY at Painting with a Twist offers flexible crafting with a variety of hands-on projects suited to every age and experience level. Participants can come during Pop In hours or book a timeslot in advance, select a project they like, and make a one-of-a-kind piece with step-by-step instructions and creative inspiration resources for guidance. A reservation is required to hold a Pop In timeslot, and hours may be adjusted if there are no advance registrations.

Presented by the Village of Norridge with Damore Motorsports and Kenosha R/C, this inaugural Cruise Night RC Racing Series blends classic muscle cars, music, and food trucks with competitive radio-control action. The program runs as a five-race points series. Drivers can enter multiple classes, with fees set at $20 for the first class and $5 for each additional. Participants should bring a table, chairs, and extension cords. Power is not supplied on site, a generator will be available, and extra generators are welcomed. The lineup includes Rookie, Losi NASCAR (Box Stock), ARRMA Mojave (Box Stock), Stock Super Trucks using brushed 2WD Traxxas Slash or ARRMA Fury platforms, and Vintage Trans-AM. Rookie and Box Stock share the same technical rules, with the Spektrum SLT2 throttle limiter set to 50 percent for Rookie and 100 percent for Box Stock. For Losi NASCAR, the tub chassis must remain unmodified with no added weight, and stock electronics are required, including the Spektrum SLT2 radio, Spektrum 2-in-1 ESC/receiver, SX110 servo, a 1400 mAh battery, and the 28T 380 brushed motor, paired with the 59T spur and 19T pinion. A 25 mm motor fan is permitted without shrouds, shocks may use any oil with original black springs and no internal limiters, differentials must stay free-spinning, and approved Losi or Pro-Line stock car bodies are required with racing numbers on the roof and doors; sidewall gluing and specified small hardware or heat sink and servo horn upgrades are allowed. ARRMA Mojave GROM runs on the Mojave GROM chassis in stock form and allows any Spektrum radio paired to the stock 2-in-1 system. It uses the ARRMA 28T 380 brushed motor with 59T and 19T gearing, permits upgraded ARRMA metal gear differentials while keeping diffs free, and requires the body in the stock position with full interior and driver figures. Stock Stadium Trucks race brushed 2WD Slash or ARRMA Fury with stock gearing, stock ESC and servo, any hard-case 2S battery, and either the Traxxas 12T Titan or ARRMA 28T 380 brushed motor, with open radio choice and allowance for tire sidewall gluing or taping. Vintage Trans-AM uses 4WD touring cars with a minimum 5 mm ride height and 1400 g race weight, ROAR-approved blinky ESCs, hard-case 2-cell LiPo from 7.4 to 7.6 volts up to 6000 mAh and 8.40 V maximum, specified Protoform or Gravity VTA tires on matching vintage wheels, late 1960s to early 1970s pony car bodies with deck-lid spoilers only and a three-dimensional driver figure, and the Gravity GRC2025 25.5 motor with no internal modifications; external clip-on fans and heatsinks are allowed.

A vintage taxidermy and insect museum offers quiet hours designed with sensory needs in mind. The environment is kept calm with no music or flashing lights, and admission is limited so the space stays gentle. Activities can be arranged around each family’s interests, and many exhibits include items that are safe to touch. Stimming is welcome and guests are encouraged to be themselves. To plan an activity for a visit, email theinsectasylum@gmail.com. For extra accommodations, call 312-961-7219. The main floor is accessible for people with disabilities. Use promo code SENSORYKIDS for 50% off children’s tickets. There may be street construction in front of the museum that could introduce additional sensory input, which may affect the peaceful environment intended. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Pop In & DIY at Painting with a Twist features a variety of do it yourself projects suited to every age and skill level. Stop in during Pop In hours or book a time to choose a project you like, then bring it to life with easy to follow instructions and creative idea guides. To lock in a preferred Pop In time slot, a reservation is required. If there are no advance registrations, hours may be adjusted.

Escape the Museum returns to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry with The Infinite Grid, a fresh installment built around the new Powering the Future exhibit. Following last year’s sellout, the museum opens after hours for a large-scale escape experience where teams search for clues and crack puzzles throughout the galleries. Along the way, participants take a deeper look at favorite exhibits while collaborating to activate a hidden clean energy grid. The program is designed for beginners to intermediate players, and experienced enthusiasts are welcome but may move through the challenges more quickly. This family-friendly event is recommended for ages 10 and up, with anyone under 18 required to attend with a ticketed adult who will also play. Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for children under 12, with member pricing at $35 for adults and $30 for children under 18. Start times are chosen during purchase, and the series spans eight evenings.

At O’Hare International Airport, the annual O’Hare Plane Pull brings teams, families, and supporters together to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Crews of twenty test their strength by racing to move a 95,000 pound aircraft a distance of twelve feet in the fastest time. Alongside the competition, the event features mobile food vendors and concessions, a DJ with music and other entertainment, activities for children, and raffles and giveaways. Ways to take part include registering a team, joining an existing team, fundraising for the cause, or cheering from the sidelines. It is a family friendly day focused on teamwork, community, and support for Special Olympics athletes.

Celebrating its 11th year, this family friendly trail run showcases the Bloomingdale Trail while supporting the mission of Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail. Participants can take on a timed 5K along the elevated path with city views, and young runners can sprint in quarter mile and half mile dashes. Packet pickup, check in, and the start and finish are based at McCormick YMCA near the trail’s western end. On event day, expect a kids activity station, live music, snacks and beverages, sponsor activations, and a post race gathering with awards and refreshments. Event details are subject to change.

Designed for ages 7 to 17, this youth pinball club helps young players learn the game and connect with peers who share the hobby. The Pinball Capital offers 130 machines set to free play, giving kids plenty of chances to practice and explore. Children accompanied by a parent may enter before regular public hours, with special early entry pricing of $5 per child and $10 per adult. A four round match play tournament takes place in the back room for any child who wants to participate. Prizes from The Pinball Capital go to the winner, and every participant receives a prize.

Bright Star Circus brings a circus-inspired variety show to the Stars & Garters Theater, designed for audiences of all ages. Each performance features a changing lineup of standout talent, so no two shows are alike. Expect sleight-of-hand that surprises, musicians who set a lively pace, comedians and classic clowns that spark laughter, and dancers and specialty artists who keep the energy high. The result is a playful atmosphere filled with imagination, big laughs, and moments that inspire wide-eyed wonder.

Indie Park Fest returns with a casual park-day vibe, showcasing inventive local artists from across Chicago and covering a wide range of genres. Settle in with a picnic blanket and a cooler while discovering eclectic performances throughout the day. A suggested $20 donation goes directly to the performers and helps keep the festival thriving. The event is presented in collaboration with the Independence Park Advisory Council and the Chicago Park District alongside Lunar Ticks, an improvisational and alternative rock group with deep roots in the Irving Park community. Expect live music, vendors, and activities for kids for a full day of neighborhood fun.

Experience museum highlights on a 45-minute guided tour conducted in American Sign Language, created for the Deaf community and centered on how history, science, and community shape the Field Museum today. The tour departs from the Monumental Poles in Stanley Field Hall. RSVP is not required.

Proksa Park hosts the Berwyn Lantern Parade, a free, all-ages celebration of creativity and community. Live music sets the tone for connecting with neighbors and friends. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lantern, with a limited supply available for those who need one. Watch for workshops and find resources on the event site. Participation is open to residents, visitors, schools, local organizations, and businesses, whether taking part in the procession or enjoying it as a spectator.

Avondale comes together for a community celebration of heritage and harvest, spotlighting the neighborhood’s history and the cultures that helped shape it. The festivities include live music, tastes from around the world alongside a shared potluck, hands-on arts and cultural crafts, and showcases with local vendors and community spotlights. Families will find bike decorating and a parade, chalk art, and face painting. The lineup also includes bike ambassadors, yoga, free cycle, and dedicated cultural programming. The focus is on sharing traditions, creating new ones with neighbors, and strengthening connections that support a safer, more resilient community. This gathering is family friendly and free to attend.