Family events in Elmhurst, IL

Designed for babies and toddlers younger than two, this play centered group is led by occupational, physical, and speech therapy professionals. Each themed session invites little ones to explore through play while nurturing motor skills, communication, and sensory processing. Caregivers can connect with one another, children can move at a comfortable pace, and the inclusive setting welcomes every participant. All families are welcome, including siblings, and the format is well suited for children with a broad range of developmental needs who benefit from a supportive, therapist guided environment.

Share a creative experience designed for caregivers and children ages 3 to 5. This art group invites little artists and their grownups to create side by side with a variety of engaging materials and thoughtful prompts that spark exploration and connection. Caregivers gain practical strategies to support children’s creativity, independence, and confidence while spending meaningful time together through art and play. Hosted at Create Balance Counseling in Hinsdale.

Enjoy a flexible creative session at Painting with a Twist where you can pop in and pick your project. Options are designed for every age and skill level. Select what you want to make, then follow step by step instructions and browse inspiration guides to bring it to life. Drop in during Pop-In hours or reserve a time in advance. Reservations are needed to hold your preferred Pop-In timeslot, and hours may be adjusted if there are no pre-registrations.

Celebrate American artistic achievement with a free outdoor, walkable exhibition honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. Presented by the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, Walking With Giants showcases ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about 10 feet tall, placed along a route that circles the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. Designed by contemporary artists with input from the community, these works pay tribute to influential figures in visual art, music, theater, and dance, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Discover a casual, creative Pop In and DIY experience at Painting with a Twist. Choose a project you like and make it your own with easy to follow instructions and inspiration guides, welcoming all ages and skill levels. You can drop in during Pop In hours or reserve a timeslot to fit your schedule. A reservation is required to secure a preferred Pop In time, and hours may change if there are no pre-registrations.

The Simple Remedy Duo marks the start of the fall season with a Concerts by the Campfire performance presented by the Bloomingdale Park District. Enjoy live music at Springfield Park beside a cozy campfire, with s’mores available while supplies last. Pack chairs, blankets, and snacks for comfort. Restrooms are available at the concession stand. Admission is free, and the event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

This event centers on Dr. Reed Timmer, an extreme meteorologist and veteran storm chaser with a PhD in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. Known for driving into the heart of severe weather to gather scientific data, he has chased more than 1,000 tornadoes and 50 hurricanes and is among the few to have pursued both an EF5 tornado and a Category 5 hurricane. The program highlights his armored Dominator vehicles and his innovations in sensor deployment using probes, drones, balloons, and rockets. It also covers his real time storm reporting and safety updates on media platforms, along with ongoing work with National Geographic and RadarOmega.

At Honey Bee Gardens Farm, Buzz Around the Barnyard offers a relaxed, family-friendly outing filled with fresh air, open space, and the simple rhythms of farm life. Designed for families to slow down, explore at their own pace, and connect with nature, it invites unhurried moments together. Each visit feels a little different, with seasonal blooms, playful animals, hands-on activities, and quiet pockets of calm. The Farm Market features local honey, seasonal produce, flowers, handmade goods, and farm-inspired treats to bring a bit of the farm home. Visitors can meet goats, chickens, bunnies, horses, cats, pigs, a llama, and other friendly animals. Stroll through flower gardens and pollinator areas to see how plants, insects, and animals work together across the farm. Creative minds can stop by the Exploration Station for farm-themed crafts and projects. There is plenty of room for outdoor play across open fields and along nature paths, with time to relax by the pond or take a peaceful paddle boat ride. Catch-and-release fishing is available with guidance from experienced anglers, a welcoming introduction for first-timers and young explorers. The Farm Shop and concessions offer local honey, farm-fresh snacks, and seasonal goodies. Every weekend brings new discoveries and seasonal highlights, along with the space to simply be on the farm.

Accredited La Leche League Leaders offer free guidance on infant feeding, with time for questions and conversation among local parents. Anyone who is nursing or pumping is welcome, and babies, young children, partners, and other support people may attend. The meeting takes place in the Storytime Room on the first floor children’s section of the main library in Downtown Oak Park. There is no cost and no RSVP is needed. Free parking is available in the deck beneath the library.

World Ballet Company brings Swan Lake to the stage, weaving a story of destiny and enchantment in a timeless struggle between good and evil. Fifty dancers from around the world perform in more than 150 meticulously sewn costumes against handcrafted sets. Highlights include the Dance of the Little Swans and the Black Swan’s sequence of 32 fouettés, set to Tchaikovsky’s score. The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission and is for ages 5 and over. Based in Los Angeles and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, World Ballet Company tours beloved classics across the nation, appealing to both first time attendees and longtime ballet fans. The ensemble features professional artists from over ten countries and has appeared in more than 300 cities for audiences totaling more than 500,000.

The 23rd Annual Run for the Kids: Superhero Hustle features a 5K and a 1-mile fun run open to participants of all ages and abilities. After the run, participants can enjoy live music, lunch, raffle prizes, and appearances by superheroes.

At the Park Ridge Farmers Market, the Pennies' KIDS CLUB will be in the kids tent with hands-on craft activities. Families can learn about the club’s children’s service meetups and find out how kids can get involved in volunteering for the community.

Buzz Around the Barnyard at Honey Bee Gardens Farm offers a relaxed weekend outing where families can slow their pace, breathe in fresh air, and explore together. Every visit brings something a little different, from seasonal blooms and playful animals to hands-on activities and quiet moments around the farm. The Farm Market features local honey, seasonal produce, flowers, handmade items, and farm-inspired treats to take home. Guests can meet goats, chickens, bunnies, horses, cats, pigs, a llama, and other friendly barnyard animals. Stroll through flower gardens and pollinator spaces to see how plants, insects, and animals work together across the farm. Creative minds can stop by the Exploration Station for farm-themed crafts and projects, while outdoor discovery includes open fields, nature paths, time by the pond, and peaceful paddle boating. Catch and release fishing is available with guidance from experienced anglers, making it a welcoming option for first-timers and young explorers. The Farm Shop and concessions offer local honey, farm-fresh snacks, and seasonal goodies to enjoy or bring home. Each weekend highlights new discoveries, seasonal shifts, and plenty of space to simply be.

Kids ages 7 to 17 can dive into pinball at The Pinball Capital with the Fliptastic Youth Pinball Club, learning how to play and spending time with others who enjoy the hobby. The arcade features 130 machines set to free play, offering plenty of opportunities to practice and explore. Children accompanied by a parent may arrive before opening, with special pricing available during that early period of $5 per child and $10 per adult. A four round match play tournament is held in the back room for any interested kids. The Pinball Capital awards prizes to the winner, and every participant receives a prize.

Chat with CILRA Lab Rescue volunteers and meet dogs from the organization. Learn about adopting and how to volunteer with this Midwest focused Lab rescue.

Now in its 36th year, the Greatest Ferret Show On Earth, also known as GFSOE, is the nation’s longest running ferret show. Exhibitors travel from many places to present their ferrets in judged classes that focus on color, pattern, and structure. This event is the Greater Chicago Ferret Association’s largest annual fundraiser, with all proceeds supporting homeless ferrets cared for by the GCFA Shelter, established in 1987. The organization has helped more than 10,000 ferrets, and each year approximately 250 to 350 arrive through rescue or relinquishment. All ferrets are welcome to participate. Any ferret entering the show hall must have proof of a distemper vaccination or titer completed within the past year. A rabies vaccination is encouraged but not required, and ADV testing is not required. The show is not sanctioned by the American Ferret Association, so placements and points from this event do not apply to the AFA system or Ferret of the Year.

Presented by The Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 974, the fifth annual Reith Radnitzer Memorial Car Show highlights standout vehicles while honoring its namesake. Car owners can participate for a $10 entry fee, with awards recognizing top selections. Food and drinks will be available on site, a cash bar will be open, and a 50/50 raffle will take place. Proceeds support veterans and Legion programs that assist their families. For more information, contact Ted Rabey at 847-507-1086.

Little villains, budding potion makers and mischievous magic lovers can step into a lightly spooky world at Dash of Dust Studio. This interactive mystery adventure features a character meet and greet with photo time, hands-on potion crafting with glow glitter, sensory story time and other immersive moments of make-believe. Treats include a candy apple bar, spooky themed sweet snacks and pretzel rods decorated like magic wands. Every child leaves with a cauldron to take home, a spooky dumpling squishy and a personal drink elixir. Costumes are encouraged, whether a full outfit or a favorite Halloween look. Admission is $100 for one adult and child pair, plus $25 for each additional sibling. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

Set at the Lombard Community Building, this PurpleLight event offers an evening dedicated to honoring and remembering.

The Cheesy Pretzel returns in 2026 with a 5K and a 1 Mile Walk at The Promenade Bolingbrook. Every participant receives an order of STAR Cinema Grill pretzel bites with cheese, and the first 550 people to register receive a customized Cheesy Pretzel finisher medal and a dry-fit long sleeve shirt. The United States Track and Field certified 5K course, ID IL23028NM, winds through The Promenade Bolingbrook and nearby neighborhoods. Strollers and walkers are welcome. Stroller riders participate for free, however they do not receive a race shirt or medal. Registered runners must be at least 5 years old. The 1 Mile Walk follows a route within The Promenade Bolingbrook and is untimed. After the 5K there is an awards presentation with trophies for the fastest overall male and female. Medals for first, second, and third place are awarded to the top male and top female in each age group, including 10 and under, 11 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, and 75 plus. Proceeds support Heart Haven OutReach, helping provide free mentoring, support groups, leadership programs, and safe spaces for local teens. Through the Charity of Choice program, participants are also encouraged to raise funds for another local nonprofit that matters to them, which helps strengthen the community and empower teens.

Marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, present Walking With Giants, a free outdoor, walkable exhibition that celebrates American creativity. Ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about 10 feet tall, are placed along a walking path around the McAninch Art Center on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn. Shaped by community input and brought to life by contemporary artists, the installation salutes influential Americans in visual art, music, theater, and dance, with figures such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda represented.

At Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, a live concert brings the world of My Hero Academia to the stage. A 15 piece band performs composer Yuki Hayashi's music while vivid scenes from the anime illuminate Deku's early steps, deep friendships, and the high stakes battles that unfold across all eight seasons. The production blends dynamic live performance with on screen visuals to spotlight courage, heartbreak, and heroism from Class 1 A and beyond. Welcoming both longtime followers and first time viewers, it honors ten years of storytelling with a musical journey through the series' defining moments.

MomsPlus Playgroup meets at St Raymond's Catholic Church, with the get-together held in the church's community room.

Several times each year, The Morton Arboretum hosts Dog Admission, dedicated opportunities for visitors to explore the Arboretum’s 16 miles of trails and a variety of natural areas with their dogs. Outside of these dates, only service dogs may be on the grounds. Service dogs are welcomed every day at no charge and should be identified at the gatehouse upon entry. During Dog Admission Days and Dog Admission Afternoons, dogs are permitted on the Arboretum’s trails. Members receive exclusive early access on Dog Admission Days, and this benefit is not offered for Dog Admission Afternoons.