Family events in Bloomington, IL

The second Dine to Donate event of the 2026–27 school year takes place at Portillo's in Normal, Illinois. Mention Washington School when you place your order. These events often attract a large crowd and a lively atmosphere.

Fans of trains and travel themed board games can gather for a Ticket to Ride game night. This family friendly game is quick to learn, often taking under 15 minutes for new players. Participants collect sets of train car cards to claim routes across North America, earning more points for longer tracks. Extra points come from completing Destination Tickets that link distant cities and from creating the longest continuous route on the board. The Train Gamers Association meets at Red Raccoon Games to play Ticket to Ride.

Micro Spice brings a free concert for all ages to Uptown Circle in Uptown Normal. The Bloomington-Normal acoustic duo blends vocals, guitar, and saxophone across pop, indie, and a hint of jazz, weaving together familiar favorites, rediscovered gems, and a few unexpected picks from both newer and older eras. Attendees can bring a blanket or lawn chair for comfortable seating. Arriving early leaves time to browse nearby shops or grab a bite to eat.

This free, family friendly Music Bingo event takes place at Eric’s Too Family Restaurant and Lounge and features prizes for winners. A song plays, and players use their music knowledge or a quick search on a phone to identify the title or artist, then mark the corresponding number on a bingo sheet. Aim for four corners or five in a row in any direction to make a winning pattern, then call out Bingo to win. Straightforward rules make it suitable for all ages.

Family Night at Altitude Trampoline Park packages jump time and refreshments into one easy bundle. Priced at $69.99, it includes four one hour jump passes, one large pizza, and a pitcher of drinks. At least one participant must be a parent or legal guardian for the rest of the group. The promotion is unavailable on holidays or whenever public schools are not in session. Purchase is in person at the park only, and the deal is not offered online. Altitude Trampoline Socks are required, not included, and cost $3.00 per pair plus tax.

Friday Night Friendzy at Altitude Bloomington offers an all-ages trampoline experience set to favorite songs with disco lighting. Admission is $24.99 per person. Altitude Trampoline Socks are required and are not included with admission, and they are available for $3.00 per pair plus tax.

Day of Play features activities for children, families, and caregivers to learn and play together. Started in 2004, it encourages kids to step away from screens and enjoy the outdoors, reflecting the museum’s commitment to making play-based learning accessible to all. With support from PNC, families can attend at no cost and take advantage of same-day reduced admission at the museum. The sponsorship also includes PNC Grow Up Great resources.

Illinois Art Station offers a free program featuring hands-on stations inspired by art and artists. Take part in studio projects guided by art educators, then explore the gallery showcasing new and inspiring work. This program is supported by Illinois Prairie Community Foundation.

A warm celebration honors Ms. Mare’s retirement and three years of the Children’s Art Program at Hope Studio. Young artists and their families can enjoy a day centered on creativity, kindness, and shared memories. Activities include painting rocks with uplifting messages, adding notes to a community canvas for Mare, picking up gift bags designed for kids, and bringing home artwork by Mare. Expect a cheerful atmosphere filled with fun, laughter, and appreciation for the moments created together.

At Bark & Bloom, adoptable dogs will be present at Wendell Niepagen Greenhouses and Garden Center.

Reverberation Vinyl presents This is Our Music live at the Connie Link Amphitheatre, an outdoor venue that offers free or low cost entertainment for all ages. The performance schedule is to be announced. Attendees can bring lawn chairs or blankets, relax on the lawn, and enjoy $2 concessions including soda or water, popcorn, candy, and frozen desserts. The amphitheatre connects to the Constitution Trail and offers multiple nearby parking options.

Enjoy some free time while your child dives into a four-hour drop-off experience at Iron Coyote Challenge Park. For ages 5 to 15, the schedule includes climbing, active play, and ninja-style obstacle challenges, plus games and opportunities to make friends. Food and snacks are provided, and the environment is supervised with safety in mind. The experience is screen free to keep participants fully engaged. Capacity is limited.

Chasing the Turn performs live at Uptown Circle with a free, all-ages show in Uptown Normal. Attendees can bring blankets or lawn chairs and settle in with friends or family, and arriving early leaves time to browse nearby shops or pick up a meal. The group is a three-piece string band with close harmonies and expressive electric leads, delivering classic rock and folk tunes with a relaxed, easygoing vibe.

Enjoy a high-energy trampoline session set to music with disco lighting. It is open to all ages, and tickets cost $24.99 each. Altitude Trampoline Socks are required and are sold separately for $3.00 per pair plus tax. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.