Family events in Bolingbrook, IL

An outdoor bubble spectacle at Block 59 fills the air with gigantic bubbles, including creations larger than cars and moments where children stand inside bubbles. Presented by TwistiCity, the show is backed by more than ten years of bubble expertise. Lazy Dog contributes extra fun with temporary tattoos, stickers, creative coloring activities, and sweet cookie treats, bringing together bubble artistry with interactive activities for kids and a tasty extra for everyone.

Celebrate First Friday in August with complimentary admission to the museum and activities to enjoy.

Downtown Aurora comes alive with music, flavors from food trucks, art by local creators, and activities for all ages at the Stolp Island Block Party. Expect live performances, a range of mobile eateries, showcases from area artists and makers, and family friendly fun throughout the event. Admission is free. Vendor opportunities are available.

Chasers Card & Collectible Exchange Show creates a space for collectors to buy, sell, trade, and build their collections. Discover Counterhoard Tokens, premium sports cards, and other collectibles, along with laser tag and arcade fun. Admission is $1, with free entry for children 12 and under. An optional VIP Experience offers early access, unlimited laser tag, and extra arcade benefits.

Kids' Night Out at Dash of Dust Studio offers a drop-off evening filled with creativity, play, and cozy movie magic. Highlights include a visit from a favorite blue alien, a projector screening of the live action Lilo & Stitch, a themed craft, open play, and fresh popcorn. Children are encouraged to bring a pillow or a favorite stuffed animal to make movie time extra comfortable. Designed for ages 3 to 10, this event provides a few kid free hours for parents while little ones enjoy memorable fun.

Kids can be dropped off for a Zootopia themed night at Ultimate Ninjas Academy. The evening starts with ninja activities, includes pizza, then features a screening of Zootopia and finishes with more ninja time. Pricing is $40 for members and $50 for non members, with a 15 percent sibling discount. It is designed to give caregivers time to handle errands or enjoy an evening out while participants stay active and entertained.

Feed an adventurous spirit and a sweet tooth on a guided sunset paddle that blends kayaking with campfire s’mores. This short, family-friendly outing welcomes all skill levels and wraps up at the Athletic Club with views of the Fox River and time to meet other participants around the fire. The experience begins at the Aurora Athletic Club, where participants park before a shuttle ride to North Aurora Island Park. On arrival, each person receives a paddle and a properly sized personal flotation device, then takes part in dryland instruction covering how to move in a straight line, steer, stop, and stay upright and comfortable. After the briefing, a guide helps launch the boats and the trip gets underway. Participants must be at least 15 years old and a minimum of 100 pounds. Children riding tandem with an adult must weigh at least 30 pounds and be able to follow directions. Howling Wolfe Canoe and Kayak supplies the kayak, PFD, paddle, guide, shuttle, s’mores, and the sunset views.

Climb aboard the Bolingbrook Bookmobile for a burst of storytelling fun. Expect short, lively tales that fit even the busiest schedule and turn a quick stop into an adventure. Drop in at your convenience, no registration is needed and there is no cost. Look for the Bookmobile in the parking lot behind building 300, close to Star Cinema Grill.

Meet CILRA Lab Rescue volunteers and their dogs, and learn how the adoption process works. Explore ways to get involved as a volunteer with this Midwest focused Lab rescue.

Celebrate the close of summer with a family-friendly community bash featuring games with prizes, a petting zoo, face painting, a bounce house, crafts, food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music. A free school supply giveaway helps families get ready for the new school year while supplies last. This all-ages gathering offers plenty of ways to make memories and support local vendors.

An open play session for ages 3 to 8 at Ultimate Ninjas Academy invites young athletes to explore kid sized versions of popular obstacles. Participants can try monkey bars, trapeze bars, a climbing wall, and the warped wall, along with other challenges inspired by TV courses. Assistance from an adult or a coach is available for bigger challenges. This session takes place at the Academy location, which is different from the separate Ultimate Ninjas facility that serves older kids and adults.

Elite Chess teams up with Block 59 for a casual community chess night that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. The event features open play, mini lessons led by Elite Chess instructors, and a fast-paced blitz tournament. Prizes will be awarded to tournament winners, with additional giveaways for attendees. Participants can take a break for dinner at one of the restaurants at Block 59 and return for more games and conversation. Guests may come and go throughout the event, and the organizer requests an RSVP.

On select dates throughout the year, The Morton Arboretum hosts Dog Admission, the only occasions when non-service dogs may access the grounds. These dog-friendly days invite guests to enjoy the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails and its many natural areas with their canine companions. Service animals are welcome every day at no charge and should be identified at the gatehouse upon entry. Dogs are permitted on the trails during Dog Admission Days as well as during designated Dog Admission Afternoons. Members receive an early entry period on Dog Admission Days when dogs are also allowed, and this member benefit does not apply to Dog Admission Afternoons.

Chicago Auto Club West hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee meet at Sim Racing Naperville, bringing enthusiasts together for conversation and community around every kind of car. Attendees arrive with supercars, classics, muscle, exotics, imports, personal builds, and daily drivers, then connect over coffee while exploring the variety parked outside. Inside the venue, racing simulators deliver an on-track feel as the gathering continues in the lot. Each meet highlights friendly people from the local scene, eye-catching vehicles from many eras, coffee and conversations, and support from local businesses. Whether displaying a ride or stopping in to enjoy the atmosphere, all enthusiasts are welcome.

Open play time for young ninjas invites children ages 3 to 8 to tackle kid-sized versions of popular obstacles. With help from an adult or a coach, participants can swing across monkey bars and trapeze bars, climb a rock wall, run up a warped wall, and try other TV-inspired challenges built on a smaller scale. The focus is on active fun, giving children a chance to explore bigger ninja skills with guidance.

Part of the Music on the Farm summer series, this free, for-all-ages gathering offers live music amid the scenic fields of McDonald Farm. Bring a lawn chair and some drinks, then settle in for a performance by The Milkman’s Kid, plus Good Omen Gyoza and Sno Problems. If the forecast clearly points to poor conditions or setup would be unsafe, the event will be canceled. Lightning or thunder during the program will also prompt cancellation. Notices will be shared on Facebook and the website as soon as possible, and signage at the driveway will indicate if the event is canceled. Sponsors include Bartlett Tree Experts, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd., GreenState Credit Union, and What WE Make.

Enjoy a 20-minute trolley adventure designed for children, with playful music setting the tone as it rolls through Naperville. Riders can choose to search for items from a simple list during the trip, then wrap up the experience by taking a turn ringing the trolley bell. Cost is $10.00.

Take in Naperville’s present while learning about its past on a one-hour trolley ride. The route rolls past downtown, North Central College, the Historic District, Century Walk public art, Park District sites, the Police and Fire campus, Naper Settlement, and other highlights. Admission is $25.

Naperville Public Library presents an outdoor story time with a summer twist, featuring engaging read-alouds, lively music to move to, and a focus on playful fun. It is designed for children of all ages and their caregivers, offering a relaxed way to share quality time while learning and interacting with others. Every participating child will receive a special “Top Dog” award courtesy of Lazy Dog, and each award includes a voucher for a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an entree. Seating is limited and provided by Block 59, so bringing a picnic blanket or camping chairs is recommended for comfort.

Enjoy a community marketplace with no-cost local shopping, live musical performances, activities for children, and hands-on classes focused on food and nature, all in the museum’s outdoor park setting. A new feature, Down on the Farm Hour, brings families together for no-cost shows, story time, and other shared experiences. Adults can take part in complimentary classes presented with community organizations and local experts on topics such as 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 the one-room schoolhouse. Admission is free.

Designed for ages 5 to 8, this hip hop class features an AG Doll theme and includes a craft activity. The cost is $25 per class, and registration is required.

Spend time at Lake Patterson learning practical fishing skills with instructors from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Fishing Program. Lessons include how to cast, tie useful knots, and identify common fish, with an emphasis on responsible angling. Bring your own gear or use loaner rods and tackle while supplies last. Illinois fishing regulations and site-specific rules apply. This free clinic takes place at Oakhurst County Forest Preserve.

Arbor Evenings at The Morton Arboretum offers a relaxed summer night of live music to share with friends and family. Dance on the lawn, enjoy food and drinks, play casual lawn games, and take in sunset views of Meadow Lake from Frost Hill. The Flat Cats bring a Chicago blend of swing, jazz, and blues, spanning big band era standards and contemporary favorites. This six piece group has performed together for more than 15 years and is known for connecting with the audience.

Bring your child for Storytime at the Museum, featuring stories, songs, and other fun activities for ages 2 to 6 with an adult. After the reading, there’s time to browse the exhibits and learn more about the village. The event is free and drop-in, so no registration is needed.

At The Promenade Bolingbrook, a summer series blends a lively street market with live music. This installment features The Jolly Ringwalds with an all-80s set. The market offers shopping opportunities, with scavenger hunts and trivia adding to the experience. Food and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Family friendly and welcoming, it brings shopping, games, and nostalgic tunes together in one place.

Part of Rock The Block, the Block 59 Summer Concert Series features a free community show on Block 59's outdoor green with Fearless, an ultimate unofficial Taylor tribute. Expect an energetic salute to Taylor's biggest songs and signature style, performed by top Chicago musicians who bring the music to life with passion and flair. Attendees can bring friends, spread out a blanket, pick up food from nearby spots, and enjoy the open air. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite. No alcohol is permitted on the green. This fan-organized tribute is not endorsed by or affiliated with TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or any related entities.