Family events in Des Plaines, IL

Bay FC heads to Chicago to face Chicago Stars FC at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. This NWSL clash features contrasting styles, and the result may hinge on one-on-one battles, smart adjustments in the closing stages, and clinical touches in front of goal. The compact venue puts spectators close to the action, highlighting the speed and physicality of play for a relaxed summer evening on the North Shore.

Experience a community-wide celebration of global cultures at the Performance Pavilion at Heritage Park, featuring live performances, international cuisine, and family-friendly activities. This free, all-ages festival highlights the rich diversity and traditions that shape the community.

Urban Air Adventure Park in Glenview presents a Family Night focused on shared fun and easy dining. A $99.99 package includes two Platinum Passes, two Parent Passes, a freshly made pizza, and drinks. Guests get unlimited access to the attractions, with food and beverages to keep the energy up. It is an all-in-one outing centered on spending time together under one roof.

Kona Ice will be on site at Melas Park Sports Complex offering its menu, with twenty five percent of every purchase donated to the Little Giraffe Foundation. Options include a 12 ounce Klassic for $5, a 16 ounce King for $6, and a 16 ounce Kolor-Change souvenir cup for $7 with $4 refills.

Designed for ages 3 to 12, this imaginative theatre camp uses The Little Mermaid as its centerpiece, guiding campers as they rehearse and get ready to perform. Participants explore creativity through story-focused activities, songs, movement, theater games, and imaginative play while building teamwork and confidence on stage. No prior experience is needed, and the camp concludes with a short showcase for family and friends.

At Des Plaines Public Library, teens can meet the teen librarians for help with career, college, and scholarship questions. They can also ask for book recommendations, play board games or spend time on the PS5, make crafts, paint nails, or just talk while enjoying after school snacks.

Unwind at sunset with live music on the Esplanade during the Garden’s evening performances, a family-friendly way to enjoy the evening. The concerts are free, and regular parking and Garden admission fees apply for nonmembers. Seating is limited, so please bring your own chairs. Picnicking is welcome during the concerts, or visit on-site dining locations for food and drinks. Beer and wine are available for purchase in the Garden View Café, and per Cook County Forest Preserve District regulations, alcohol not purchased on the premises is prohibited. In the event of inclement weather, check online for daily cancellation updates.

Celebrate the back-to-school season with a relaxed skating session. Admission is $5 and rentals are included. Plan to arrive a little early to allow time to put on skates. This is not a drop-off event, so attendees should stay with their party. Beginners are encouraged to wear protective gear such as a helmet, gloves, and snow pants.

Car enthusiasts gather at Rand Red Hots for a Classic Car Cruise Night that blends vintage rides, music, and Chicago-style favorites. Expect rows of polished classics, the rumble of engines, and a relaxed summer vibe that welcomes families and fans of all ages. Weather permitting, it is a chance to admire vehicles from around the area, chat with owners, and enjoy a bite between strolls past chrome and horsepower. The atmosphere celebrates community, good food, and the enduring appeal of classic automobiles.

This play-focused group welcomes children younger than two, with guidance from occupational, physical, and speech therapists. Sessions offer themed activities that encourage movement, early communication, and sensory exploration while little ones participate at a pace that feels right for them. Caregivers can connect with one another, everyone is welcomed as they are, and siblings are included. Open to all families, it is well suited for children with varied developmental needs who benefit from a caring, guided environment.

Cool off with frosty treats from the Kona Ice truck at Clarkson Park in Northfield. The menu features the Klassic 12 oz for $5, the King 16 oz for $6, and the Kolor-Change 16 oz souvenir cup for $7 with $4 refills.

Wendy & DB, an award-winning children’s music duo from Chicago, share original tunes with uplifting lyrics and catchy melodies that spark curiosity and imagination. Their music gets families singing, dancing, and moving together for joyful, lasting memories. Admission is free.

This outdoor, free, all-ages concert features Chicago’s disco and funk tribute band The Disco Circus, bringing a three-ring sense of spectacle to the grooviest hits of the 1970s. Three lead vocalists, two women and one man, front a tight ensemble on drums, bass, guitar, percussion, and horns for a full live sound. Built around members of the Chicago group Libido Funk Circus, the expanded lineup, fresh stage production, and vibrant costumes come together for a high-energy, nostalgia-filled show presented with the Niles Park District.

Evanston's Fountain Square hosts a set from Funkadesi members that highlights the Bollywood and Desi side of the band, featuring Pavithra Anand. Presented in partnership with Evanston ASPA, an on-site tent shares information about their work in the community. Free art activities for kids are provided by the Ridgeville Park District. The event features live entertainment, a friendly community feel, and market treasures, creating an evening for all ages.

Settle in for a beautiful evening of music in DesPlaines at the Lake Park Bandshell. There will be food trucks, or you can bring your own food, and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for comfortable seating.

Sounds of Summer marks 25 years with live music at Harmony Park in downtown Arlington Heights. Presented by The Schwabe Group at Compass Real Estate, with this week's Signature Sponsor, The Moorings of Arlington Heights, this concert is part of a summer series.

A high-energy celebration of Motown and 60s smash hits fills Kimball Hill Park, delivering wall-to-wall favorites with no filler. The set spans legends from the Temptations to Tina, keeping the groove going from start to finish.

IL2026, the Illinois Speed Puzzling Championship, brings a full slate of competitive jigsaw events to Rolling Meadows Community Center. Test your skills on your own, team up with a partner, or assemble a team of four. New additions include the Pairs Relay and the Solo Puzzle Pyramid, and the day offers a friendly setting to meet fellow puzzle enthusiasts. Highlights include chances to compete alongside seasoned puzzlers, pick up complimentary puzzles, and visit a swap table for puzzle exchanges that is free for registrants and $10 for guests. Awards await the top three in each division, with gift certificates or prize puzzles and custom laser-etched wooden puzzle piece trophies. Capacity is limited, and registration is confirmed once payment is received. Tickets reserve one spot per event, so each adult in a pair or team purchases their own entry. For multi-person events, pricing is split between partners or teammates. There is a limit of one ticket per event per purchase, with exceptions for juniors. An Early Bird offer provides $5 to $10 off each ticket, and orders that include at least $100 in contest tickets in a single transaction can add a complimentary 2026 Championship T-shirt by placing the shirt in the cart and using the coupon code 26FREETEE. Participants are encouraged to review the Championship FAQs and rules.

Spend a full day building community through song at an intergenerational choral workshop created for everyone, from experienced choristers to casual shower singers. No prior experience or preparation is needed, and participants of all ages are welcome. Expert-led sessions feature Karen Brunssen, a vocal specialist and professor at Northwestern University, Stephanie Gregoire, a music education professor at UIC and children’s choir expert, and Kate Lee, choir director at Glenview Community Church and Maine East High School. The day includes learning, vocal growth, and joyful music-making, and concludes with a brief, informal showcase for friends and family. Breakfast and lunch are included with registration. Fees are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. The workshop takes place at Glenview Community Church.

Green White marks 70 years of soccer with a festive picnic that honors the past and celebrates the present. Admission is free. The celebration features plenty of soccer, games for kids, a pig roast, GW sausage, a food truck, a beer truck, lively music, and time with friends.