Family events in Carol Stream, IL

Romeo and Juliet brings classic Shakespeare to the Memorial Park Bandshell as part of Shakespeare in the Park, an annual production presented free of charge by the Wheaton Park District and Wheaton College’s Arena Theater. A puppet show precedes the main performance. Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis, and reserving space before the gates open is not allowed. Guests may bring a blanket or a standard bag or camping chair, and items such as bags, chairs and blankets are subject to search at entry. If ADA assistance or accessible seating is needed, email events@wheatonparks.org at least 72 hours in advance; requests for sign language interpreters must be made at least two weeks prior. Items not permitted include outside alcoholic beverages, pets other than service animals, weapons, glass bottles, tobacco or vaping products, large beach umbrellas, flags or banners, laptops, video recording devices other than cell phones, selfie sticks and large coolers.

Settle in at the Ruggard Gazebo on the Prairie Path, the new home for this year's Villa Park Summer Concerts. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and an appetite, and enjoy a relaxed evening of family-friendly music with concessions operated by the VFW. This concert features Industrial Drive delivering a wide mix of rock favorites, from America and Cream to Duran Duran, INXS, Pearl Jam, and Matchbox 20. Support for the event is provided by G.M. Smith & Sons Realtors, Atomic Transmissions, Amy Newling: Allstate Insurance, and the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce.

A $40 ticket covers 18 holes and pizza, with prizes awarded to the top three finishers. Sponsorships for individual holes are offered at four levels. Platinum at $2,500 includes 10 free tickets, priority placement for signage on the course, top placement on event signage, and featured online promotion. Gold at $1,000 includes 8 free tickets, prominent course signage, acknowledgment on event signage, and enhanced online promotion. Silver at $500 includes 6 free tickets, upgraded course signage, acknowledgment on event signage, and online promotion. Bronze at $250 includes 4 free tickets, course sign placement, and acknowledgment on event signage and online promotion. All sponsors also receive a dedicated sponsor-only day of action.

A Broadway-inspired, animal-free circus created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos brings its custom red and white big top to Benedictine University. The production blends world-class circus artistry with musical theater flair, presenting an intimate take on the American circus. Inside the classic tent, audiences will see a variety of performers, including aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, hand balancers, comedians, daredevils, magicians, and more. Doors open an hour before the show for preshow entertainment and fun photo opportunities. Classic treats such as popcorn, cotton candy, and house-made pink lemonade are available. The performance runs about 90 minutes with a brief intermission. Parking is free on site. Tickets are sold only through the organizer’s official website, and offers from resellers or private social media posts are not honored.

Toddlers can explore the natural world through a series of self-directed activity stations, each centered on a different theme. Every session offers new discoveries. The group meets at the East entrance to the Marsh. Registration is $14 for Wheaton residents and $18 for nonresidents.

Jumperoo offers little ones under 40 inches a fun, safe, and active morning to climb, jump, slide, and explore an indoor adventure park. Admission is $9.99 per child, with Urban Air socks required and not included. One parent or guardian is free with each participating child, and tickets can be purchased at the park. During summer break, guests of all ages may be in the park at the same time, while the Jumperoo special remains available for eligible kids. For more information, call (630) 584-8171.

Wheaton Cruise Nights showcases supercars, classic cars, and hot rods in the center circle at Town Square Wheaton, complemented by live music, food options, and a vibrant atmosphere. Admission is free for attendees. Registration is required for vehicle owners who plan to participate, and the event is presented in partnership with Chitown Exotic Car Group. The center circle will be closed to non-event traffic. Enter from the north and south parking lot entrances, as the Naperville Road entrance will not be open. Live music features acts such as The Oh Boys and Villekulla, with another performer to be announced.

Downtown Villa Park comes alive as classic automobiles line the streets alongside food trucks, a live DJ, trivia, and a spirited dance contest. This family friendly series welcomes neighbors and visitors alike, creating a vibrant scene that supports local businesses and celebrates community. Set in the heart of town, it offers a relaxed way to admire vintage cars, enjoy bites from the trucks, and take in music and friendly competitions.

This single-game promotion rebrands the Boomers as the Chicago Burbs, celebrating the pride of living just outside the city and highlighting the suburban communities that define the area while keeping Boomers baseball at the heart of it. Chicago Burbs replica jerseys will be available, and you can choose to customize yours for an additional cost.

As a new school year approaches, many children feel a mix of excitement and nerves. This family friendly program introduces simple meditation practices for kids and their parents to support concentration and memory, build confidence, and strengthen study habits. The session takes place at the Science of Spirituality International Meditation Center. It is open to all and free of charge. For more information, call 630-955-1200 or email lislecenter@sos.org.

Glenbard North hosts the Benet Academy Redwings for a home matchup featuring the Panthers.

Celebrate the final Music on Maple Street concert of the summer as Dawn Xiana Moon performs a mix of folk, pop, jazz, and traditional Chinese music at the Bill Mueller Memorial Gazebo. Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic, or grab a treat from Dairy Queen. This concert is free, and registration is appreciated.

Experience a free Summer Movie Series presented by the Wood Dale Park District with support from the City of Wood Dale. Screenings begin at dusk. Bring a blanket and a few snacks, get comfortable, and enjoy the show.

Families can take on a 50-foot climbing tower for a mix of fun and challenge. Before climbing, an experienced instructor will cover basic techniques and provide all necessary equipment. All skill levels are welcome. Each participant must register. The maximum weight for climbers is 265 pounds. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The session meets at the Lincoln Marsh main entrance. The fee is $30 for Wheaton residents and $38 for non-residents.

Romeo and Juliet takes the stage at the Memorial Park Bandshell as part of Shakespeare in the Park, an annual outdoor theater tradition presented to the community at no cost by the Wheaton Park District and Wheaton College’s Arena Theater. The program begins with a puppet show, then the full production follows. Seating is general admission on a first come, first served basis, and saving spots before gates open is not allowed. Guests may bring a blanket or a standard bag or camping chair, and are asked to use only the space they need so others can be accommodated. Bags, chairs, blankets, and similar items may be inspected upon entry. Accessibility accommodations are available with advance notice. For ADA assistance or accessible seating, please reach out at least 72 hours beforehand. Requests for sign language interpreters should be made at least two weeks in advance. To help keep the park comfortable and safe, do not bring outside alcoholic beverages, pets except service animals, weapons, glass bottles, tobacco products or vaping devices or any smoking materials, large beach umbrellas, flags or banners, laptops, dedicated video recording equipment other than cell phones, selfie sticks, or large coolers.

Spend a family-friendly evening on the water at Northside Park. The experience begins with on-land instruction in canoeing fundamentals, then moves to a guided paddle as staff share insights into the area’s natural history and help participants notice more of their surroundings. The fee applies per canoe and includes up to three people. Registration is required for everyone, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet by the canoe cabin at Northside Park. Cost is $33 per canoe for Wheaton residents and $42 per canoe for non-Wheaton residents.

Part of Schaumburg’s free outdoor Summer Breeze concert series held on select Saturdays in July and August, this performance takes place on the grounds of the Al Larson Cultural Center and features Shining Star, a nine-piece group honoring the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. Admission is free. Complimentary parking is available at the Al Larson Cultural Center, with overflow at the School District 54 parking lot.

A family-friendly 5K run and walk at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Hanover Park welcomes participants of all ages, whether taking part solo or on a team. The focus is on community, remembrance, and support for people affected by crashes caused by impaired or reckless driving. Participation benefits the Victims’ Assistance Fund, which helps families with essentials such as groceries, transportation, funeral expenses, education, and counseling, and encourages collaboration with law enforcement and victim advocates to help prevent future losses. The event also advances the broader mission to create safer roads and provide meaningful assistance to those impacted. AAIM is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), federal tax ID # 36-3206134.

Browse a mix of booths from different vendors, including Astrid's Kitchen with sourdough artisan loaves, focaccia, and more. The market is set up in the parking lot across from the Bloomingdale Post Office, and parking is available in the post office lot.

Set in Chicago, this showcase of standout cars pairs the automotive scene with the city skyline. The event has grown each year, and a full house is expected. Activities include RC drifting demonstrations, live music, a sneaker contest, builder Q&A sessions, exhibitor displays of new products, giveaways, and more.

Sparks Fly, a tribute to Taylor Swift, brings a live show to Basecamp Lisle filled with sing-along favorites from every era. Expect a lively atmosphere with themed drinks inspired by Taylor, chances to win prizes and giveaways, and plenty of opportunities to dance and sing along. This event is open to all ages.

Walking With Giants is a free outdoor, walkable art experience marking the United States’ 250th anniversary and celebrating American creative achievement. Presented by the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, the exhibition places ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about ten feet tall, along a route that circles the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. Created by contemporary artists with input from the community, the works honor influential figures across visual art, music, theater, and dance, with tributes to Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and additional figures.

In recognition of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the McAninch Art Center and Cleve Carney Museum of Art, in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, present Walking With Giants, a free outdoor exhibition designed to be explored on foot. Now on view throughout the summer, the experience leads visitors along a route around the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn, where ten painted silhouette sculptures rise to roughly ten feet tall. Shaped by community input and created by contemporary artists, the works celebrate influential American voices in visual art, music, theater, and dance, featuring figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Periodically throughout the year, The Morton Arboretum welcomes dogs during Dog Admission. These are the only occasions when pets other than service dogs may visit the grounds. Service dogs are permitted every day at no cost and should be identified at the gatehouse upon entry. During these dog friendly times, visitors can enjoy the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails and explore its many natural areas with their canine companions. On Dog Admission Days, members have exclusive early entry and may bring dogs during that window. Early member hours are not offered on Dog Admission Afternoons.

One Twenty Live hosts a weekly Wednesday cruise night and car meet designed as a midweek reset. Vehicles of all kinds are encouraged, including clean builds, period-correct rides, classics, imports, exotics, bikes, and overland rigs. The gathering is family friendly and open to everyone, with furry friends welcome too. Food and drinks are available from the One Twenty Live menu, and reviewing the menu in advance can make ordering easier.

This event has been rescheduled due to dangerous air quality. The inaugural TSW Artisan Market highlights local makers and artisan goods at Town Square, presented alongside the Third Thursdays concert series. The evening also features a performance by The Blooze Brothers and a curated selection of vendors, including AB Bows, All Things Crafted, Atlas & Era Vintage Candles, BOHEMIA, Delightful Bites, Dirty 630, Kernel Dan’s Kettle Corn, Meadowlark, R&C, Several Miles, Sprinkle Candles, The Babe Bodega, The Crumbummery, The Mourning After, and Tipsy Tails.

An early season Frontier League game sees the Florence Y’alls visiting the Schaumburg Boomers at Wintrust Field. The intimate ballpark setting makes the rhythm of play, on-field strategy, and potential late-inning drama easy to follow from any seat. The experience offers real competition in a relaxed setting with a classic ballpark atmosphere in Schaumburg.

A free community concert presented by the Village and Park District features The Jolly Ringwalds performing 80s music at Usher Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in on the grass for live tunes, friendly company, and a relaxed evening outside.