Family events in Park Ridge, IL

After three decades, a favorite Schiller Park tradition returns with support from Mayor Meyers and the Village Board. The celebration takes place at the Schiller Park Metra Station and spans four days focused on community, fun, and togetherness. It features live entertainment each day, a full carnival presented by All Around Amusement, a variety of food vendors, and a lively beer garden. Applications for food vendors and sponsorship opportunities are currently open, and updates are shared on the event page and the Village website.

Presented by the Village of Norridge with Damore Motorsports and Kenosha R/C, this inaugural Cruise Night RC Racing Series blends cruise-in energy with RC competition, bringing together muscle cars, music, food trucks, and fast-paced racing. The series features five points-paying rounds held monthly. Participants should bring a table, chairs, and extension cords. Power is not supplied. A generator will be available, and additional generators are welcome. Racing classes include Rookie, Losi NASCAR in box stock trim, ARRMA Mojave in box stock trim, Stock Super Trucks using box stock Traxxas Slash or ARRMA Fury, and Vintage Trans-AM. Rookie and box stock groups share the same baseline rules, with throttle output set on the Spektrum SLT2 radio to 50 percent for Rookie and 100 percent for Box Stock. Losi NASCAR competitors run the factory tub chassis and original electronics with stock gearing and original springs, while allowing shock oil choice, a 25 mm motor fan, select heat sink and servo horn options, and simple transponder or switch mounts. Tires may have the sidewalls glued, and bodies must be designated Losi or Pro-Line stock car shells installed at the stock height with race numbers on the roof and doors. ARRMA Mojave GROM entries use the Mojave GROM chassis in stock form with the Spektrum 2‑in‑1 system and ARRMA 28T brushed motor, 59/19 gearing, and original springs. Metal gear differentials are permitted as long as they spin freely. The body must sit in the factory position with a full interior and driver figure, and common reliability upgrades such as a 25 mm fan, heat sink, servo horn, and 3D printed transponder mounts are allowed. Stock Super Trucks rely on brushed 2WD Traxxas Slash or ARRMA Fury platforms with stock gearing and electronics. Any hard case 2S battery is allowed. Differentials must remain free spinning, shock oil is open, and tires may be taped or the sidewalls glued. Vintage Trans-AM uses any 4WD touring chassis meeting a minimum 5 mm ride height and 1400 g race weight, with a ROAR‑approved blinky ESC and a ROAR‑approved 2S LiPo up to 6000 mAh and 8.40 volts. Only approved VTA tires on vintage wheels are legal, with seam sanding allowed but no tread grinding. Bodies must represent late 1960s to early 1970s American pony cars with deck‑lid spoilers only and include a three‑dimensional driver figure. Power is controlled by the Gravity GRC2025 25.5 motor with fixed timing and no internal modifications, while external clip‑on heatsinks or fans are permitted. Entry fees are set at $20 for the first class and $5 for each additional class.

Enjoy an upbeat set of classic jazz and lively swing from the Jake Sanders Quintet at Evanston’s Fountain Square as part of Downtown Summer Sounds. The event is free and welcoming to all ages, with complimentary swing dance lessons from Traffic Jam Swing offered beforehand. Kids can get creative with no-cost art activities provided by the Ridgeville Park District, and the Evanston Community Foundation (Leadership Evanston) tent will share information about local initiatives. It is a community gathering for dancing, listening, and relaxing in Evanston.

The Blooze Brothers perform as part of the 25th anniversary season of the Sounds of Summer series in Harmony Park in downtown Arlington Heights. Presented by The Schwabe Group at Compass Real Estate, the concert offers live music in an outdoor setting.

Taylor Swift fans can look forward to Totally Taylor at Proesel Park, delivering a lively show with songs from every era of her catalog. The concert is free and open to all. Bring friendship bracelets and be ready to sing and dance to favorites like Shake It Off.

Tarkington and the PTO present a back-to-school bash celebrating the start of a new academic year and community spirit. Students and families can reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and share the excitement of a fresh start together. Event details and updates are shared by the Tarkington PTO on Facebook at @Booth Tarkington PTO.

A music-filled gathering centered on community and good cheer.

The Throwbacks bring a live set of 1950s and 1960s hits to Mount Prospect, with plenty of dance-friendly classics. There is no admission charge, and all are welcome.

Keep the summer vibe going with Chill Bill. As the first full week of school wraps up, kids and adults can settle in on the lawn with food and drinks.

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.

Fliptastic Youth Pinball Club invites kids ages 7 to 17 to learn the game and spend time with others who enjoy pinball. The gathering takes place at The Pinball Capital, where 130 pinball machines are on freeplay. Kids with a parent can arrive before the arcade opens, with special early entry pricing of $5 per child and $10 per adult. A four round match play tournament will be held in the back room for any kid who wants to participate. Pinball Capital prizes are awarded to the winner, and every participant receives a prize.

Launched in 2022 during Wilmette’s 150th anniversary, the Wilmette Block Party has grown into a late summer tradition. This community celebration is a collaboration between the Wilmette Park District, the Village of Wilmette, and the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, bringing thousands to the downtown area for local food, live music, and activities for families. After a record-setting 2025 that featured 22 sponsors, a Kids Zone with 40 booths, and nearly $47,000 raised, the fifth year is planned to be the most exciting edition yet. Additional event and sponsorship details will be shared.

Many Paws Global Rescue hosts the second event in its seasonal adoption series at The Red Barn Restaurant and Brewery. Meet adoptable dogs, learn how fostering and volunteering work, and explore what it takes to welcome a new companion. Each dog is seeking a caring home, and attending supports rescue efforts in the area and beyond. The venue offers food and drinks, creating a comfortable setting to connect with animals and speak with rescue representatives. Many Paws Global Rescue is a volunteer-driven, no-kill organization dedicated to helping homeless, abandoned, neglected, and at-risk animals find safe, loving homes.

Kona Ice is popping up at Saint Viator High in Arlington Heights, IL with treats that give back. 25 percent of every purchase supports Saint Viator. Menu options include 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.

The Niles Founders Day Celebration fills Golf Mill Park with an evening of free entertainment for all ages. Food trucks, family-friendly activities, fireworks, and more are part of the festivities.

A community picnic rooted in tradition will be held at Dam No. 4 Woods East in Grove 2. Started by Steve "Boy" Gore and later carried on by Ken "Turtle" Kasal, it is now being continued by the next host to keep the #LifeGuardsForLifePicnic spirit alive. Families, friends, and pets are welcome, and attendees should plan to bring their own food, drinks, and any supplies they might need for a relaxed day outdoors.

Centennial Pools offers a calm, reduced-sensory swim session created for individuals with sensory processing differences, autism, or anxiety. The setting is quieter and gentler so participants can enjoy the water in comfort. Admission is free for Pool Season Pass holders, $5 for residents, and $7 for nonresidents. Caregivers receive complimentary entry.

A casual potluck with the St Emily Filipino Ministry offers time to meet members and share some fun. New members and guests are welcome. Attendees are asked to bring one dish, one dessert, and drinks to share, and to bring their A-game for a spirited gathering.

Jersey Girls perform an afternoon set of live music at Schiller Park Fest, bringing favorite songs and plenty of community spirit. Enjoy the performance alongside festival fun like food, rides, and drinks, or simply relax and take in a beautiful summer day. Families and friends can expect an upbeat set that keeps the celebration going.

MomsPlus Playgroup meets in the parish community room at St Raymond's Catholic Church.

This walking tour marks Old Orchard Mall’s 70th year and looks at how shopping centers have influenced American life, featuring stories about Old Orchard, the Edens Expressway, Skokie’s Fun Fair amusement park, and Niles North High School. The route covers about a mile at a relaxed pace with frequent stops to view building exteriors, and public seating is available at many, though not all, locations. Recommended for ages 12 and up. The cost is $25 per person, and children under 12 are free with a paid adult. Park in the green garage and meet outside Macy’s west entrance. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. The tour proceeds in light rain, and in more severe weather an indoor alternative at the Skokie Heritage Museum may be provided or the outing rescheduled. Advance registration is available online, in person at any Skokie Park District facility, or by phone.

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.

Paulie & The Shakers perform as part of the City of Northlake Summer Concert Series at the Grant Park Gazebo. Admission is free and the event is family-friendly, offering a relaxed outdoor setting for an evening of live music. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable seating.