Family events in Saint Charles, IL

Urban Air Adventure Park in St. Charles, IL offers a sensory-friendly play session tailored for children with autism and other special needs. The environment is adjusted to be calmer to support kids with sensory processing differences. Admission is $19.99 per child with Platinum Access, and one parent or guardian is included at no additional cost per participating child. Participants must wear Urban Air socks. For more information, contact the park at (630) 584-8171.

Hosted by Chicago Auto Club West, this monthly cars and coffee meetup at Sim Racing Naperville brings car culture and conversation together. Enthusiasts gather to share supercars, classics, muscle cars, exotics, imports, custom builds, and daily drivers. Inside the facility, visitors can try racing simulators that recreate the feel of the track while outside features vehicles from many eras and styles. Expect friendly people from the local car community, coffee and conversations, support from local businesses, and a welcoming atmosphere for anyone whether displaying a car or simply enjoying the scene.

The Nicholas D. Sergi Foundation hosts the 8th annual Family, Farm and Faith Festival at the Glen Oak Country Club Lodge in Illinois. This fall tradition offers families an afternoon centered on fun, food, and faith. More details will be shared closer to the event.

An open play session at Ultimate Ninjas Academy invites children ages 3 to 9 to explore kid-sized ninja challenges. Participants can try obstacles like monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with additional scaled versions of obstacles popular on TV. Assistance from an adult or a coach is available for bigger challenges.

Ten vocalists from Chicago a cappella lead a musical voyage through Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, illuminating the far north with beauty, mystery, and wonder. Shimmering harmonies, images of sweeping Nordic landscapes, and age-old storytelling come together in a program shaped by nature, folklore, and light. Presented at Wentz Concert Hall, this full-length concert lasts 110 minutes and includes an intermission. It is recommended for ages 10 and older and is welcoming to audiences across generations.

Presented by the McAninch Art Center and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art, in association with the College of DuPage Foundation, this free outdoor exhibition offers a walkable celebration of American artistic achievement in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary. A route around the MAC on the College of DuPage campus in Glen Ellyn features ten painted silhouette sculptures, each about ten feet tall. Created by contemporary artists with community input, these works honor influential figures in visual art, music, theater, and dance, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dolly Parton, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Step into the role of Earth’s mightiest heroes during a full-day science and engineering camp for kids ages 6 and up. In a lively, interactive STEM lab, participants explore real-world physics, chemistry, and technology that reflect iconic superhero powers. Campers tackle exciting challenges throughout the day, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and see how science can be their greatest superpower. No robotics are involved.

This free, hands-on day at The Growing Place Aurora lets kids and adults get close to the machinery used in growing and gardening. Participants can touch, climb into, and explore tractors, loaders, and other garden center equipment. Guests may bring a lunch or snack to enjoy under the Big Tent.

Enjoy a lighthearted Halloween at Coyote Crossing Mini Golf. Costumes are encouraged, with cute outfits especially welcome, as you play a spirited round on a course sprinkled with playful tricks, tasty treats, and a hint of Halloween magic. Expect laughs, friendly competition, and mini golf fun without the frights. Admission is $8.

Westosha Central High School's Marching Falcons take part in Chicago's Columbus Day Parade, showcasing their talents as part of the celebration. Coverage will be available to stream on ABC 7 Chicago.

Second grade ninjas step into the Season 2 finale, the wrap up of a two event league where final placement points decide the standings. By the end of this competition, the top three in the grade will earn trophies. Registration is open and spots are limited. Participants should register for the grade they are in now or the one they will enter after summer. Younger athletes may move up to an older division if they are ready for a tougher challenge. No prior class experience is required. A Season Pass is available for $110 and includes the two competition series, a Full Access Pass to Open Play, and a $20 discount on two months of Ninja class.

Experience a portrait of Benjamin Franklin that goes beyond the textbook as he shares recollections of his public life, his writings, and the scientific creations he pursued. This look back at a statesman, inventor, and founding father explores how his ideas continue to shape everyday life. The content connects naturally to social studies, language arts, and science, prompting the question of which academic fields he has not influenced.

At Meadow Glens Park, FIT4MOM Naperville offers a comprehensive, interactive Stroller Strides workout followed by a playgroup for children of all ages. The class blends strength, cardio, and core exercises while engaging little ones in their strollers. After the workout, the playgroup features hands-on sensory and STEM stations with fall leaves. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle.

Reserved exclusively for homeschool families, this class welcomes children ages 6 to 9 for a 50 minute session that begins with a warm up and continues with coached obstacle challenges and courses. Participants take on kid sized versions of obstacles inspired by those seen on TV, including monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, rings, and laches, with help from an adult or coach available for bigger challenges. No prior obstacle experience is needed, and instruction builds on concepts from the Lil Ninjas level as students progress to more complex movements and refine their technique. Instructors introduce new goals, challenges, and course layouts each week to encourage safe exploration, steady skill development, and plenty of fun.

Hosted at The Hub at Berens Park within the Elmhurst Park District, this early childhood session welcomes children ages 3 to 5 with a parent for one hour of dinosaur discovery. Kids will view authentic dinosaur fossils, hear a story, create a craft to take home, and dig in sand to piece together dinosaur puzzles. Registration is handled through the park district.

Beaubien teachers and staff step behind the counter at McDonald’s in Chicago for an annual McTeacher Night that supports their students and school. During the event, 15 percent of all food sales and 100 percent of pie sales benefit Beaubien. Cash tips for the teachers and pie purchases are welcomed, and all donations go to the students and the school. Overflow parking is available at Gale Street Inn, and attendees are asked not to park by the front door or at the bank. Expect to see familiar faces helping take orders and sharing school spirit at the restaurant.

At DuPage River Park, this early childhood program invites children ages 3 to 5, accompanied by a parent, to enjoy an hour of dinosaur discovery. Participants will examine genuine dinosaur fossils, hear a story, create a take-home craft, and sift through sand to piece together a dinosaur puzzle. Registration is handled by the park district.

Gearheads and casual fans meet at 120 Live for a midweek cruise night where variety is the star. Expect everything from clean builds and period correct rides to classics, imports, exotics, bikes, and overland rigs. The vibe is family and pet friendly, rated E for everyone. To make ordering easy once you arrive, take a look at 120 Live’s menu in advance.

Geared toward parents, educators, tutors, and homeschool families, this Literacy and Learning Workshop focuses on practical decoding strategies that support children’s literacy development. Instructors offer clear guidance and encouragement while showing how to apply approaches that align with key findings on effective instruction. The fee is $40 per workshop, space is limited, and at least six participants are required for the session to run.

Marrakesh Express brings the classic songs and signature harmonies of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young to Roger C. Claar Performing Arts Center. The music of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young grew out of the turbulent late 1960s and early 1970s and continues to resonate. This is a free outdoor performance, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Designed for ages 3 to 5, this Little Saplings session focuses on spider senses and introduces children to the natural world through age-appropriate stories, a short nature walk, songs, games, or a simple craft tied to the theme. A parent or caregiver must remain with each child. The program takes place at Creek Bend Nature Center. The fee is $5 per child.

This homeschool-only session welcomes junior ninjas ages 6 to 9 for a 50 minute class that begins with a warmup and continues with coach-led obstacle challenges and courses. Participants take on larger, more complex elements with guidance from instructors or an assisting adult while building confidence and technique. Obstacles may include monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, a warped wall, rings, and laches, plus additional kid-sized versions inspired by television competitions. No prior obstacle experience is required, and the class builds on concepts introduced in Lil Ninjas. Coaches emphasize safe movement, clear goals, and progressive challenges that help students develop solid fundamental skills while having fun.

Take part in a group visit to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL. The outing is open to all ages and needs a minimum of seven additional students to qualify as a field trip. The cost is $13 per person and covers an exhibit tour offered by the museum along with tickets to the Anne Frank Special Exhibit. Parking is approximately $22 per vehicle. As a field trip, everyone will enter together as one group and the added activities will occur at the same time for all participants. Optional transportation is available in a van with 14 seats for an additional $10 per seat, bringing the total to $23 for those who choose that option.

Sensory friendly hours at the Vintage Taxidermy & Insect Museum provide a quieter visit for guests with sensory sensitivities. The environment remains calm, with no music or flashing lights, and entry is limited so the space never feels crowded. Activities are available and can be tailored to each family’s interests with planning in advance. Exhibits include many touch friendly items, and visitors are welcome to stim and be themselves. Extra accommodations can be arranged upon request. The main floor is accessible for people with disabilities. Use promo code SENSORYKIDS for 50% off children’s tickets.

This local Pokémon tournament uses a best-of-one Swiss format with 30 minute rounds. The entry fee is $6, and each registration includes one Prize Pack. Prizing is attendance based, calculated per participant as one pack per head and half a prize pack per head. Results determine payouts, with undefeated players typically receiving the largest share while one-loss players split the remainder.

At Pasteur Park in Chicago, Sones de Mexico Ensemble presents Fiesta Mexicana, an interactive bilingual concert for children and their parents featuring songs, storytelling, and playful activities inspired by the group’s Parents Choice award winning album. A mask making workshop is offered before the performance. The program invites families to explore the four sacred elements of Aztec tradition... Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water. Along the way, enjoy music about animals from the Mexican ecosystem, including the acamaya, a crocodile, a legendary mermaid, a mouse, a buzzard, a duck, and a cat. The audience claps to Mexican rhythms and learns to feel the difference between slow and fast tempos with help from Doña Sabina, a 100 year old special guest. Admission is free, and attendees may bring a camping chair or a blanket. Presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series with support from the Mayor’s Office and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which brings free, high quality arts programming to neighborhoods across the city.

Celebrate the end of summer with a nostalgic drive-in movie evening at Town Square Wheaton featuring screenings of Ghostbusters (1984) and Jurassic Park. Pick up dinner from a Town Square Wheaton eatery to enjoy in your car during the films. Enter from East Loop Road, where attendants will guide traffic, and expect parking outside Lu's Fine Asian Cuisine facing Naperville Road. Parking is limited and some spaces may have a partial view, and vehicles may be turned away upon arrival if needed to maintain a safe experience.

An outdoor celebration of arts and crafts fills Northwestern Medicine Field, the Kane County Cougars stadium, in Geneva, Illinois, with 200 booths featuring items made in the United States. Live music adds to the atmosphere with performances by No Limit Sound and Good Clean Fun Band. Admission is $5, children 11 and under are free, and parking is free. The event benefits Northwestern Medicine Living Well - Cancer Resources. Only two vendor spots remain on a first come, first served basis. For vendor inquiries, text 213-218-5017 or email vfapply@gmail.com.

Sourdough will be available to take home, and there will be many vendor booths to explore. Enjoy a welcoming shopping experience with plenty of stalls to browse.

The Cantigny 5K Run/Walk features a scenic route through Cantigny and Cantigny Golf in support of the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Registration is $25, with a higher price taking effect later. Young athletes can take part in a 1-mile run for ages 6 to 10 and a 1/4-mile run for ages 0 to 5, each priced at $5 and not chip timed. After the event, registrants may enjoy access to Cantigny. The course highlights include views of the Gardens, the Robert R. McCormick House, and the First Division Museum. Due to construction at Cantigny Golf, the route will be adjusted. Digital clocks or timers will be placed at mile markers, and water will be available at the halfway point as well as the start and finish. All proceeds support the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, a not-for-profit transitional living organization that helps U.S. veterans of any era develop skills for independent living and return to productive lives.

The outdoor 61st Street Farmers Market features more than 30 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and locally made items. Each week includes interactive and educational activities for everyone, including a chef cooking demonstration, Market School, the Sprout Station, and Blackstone Bicycle Works’ Open Shop. Shoppers using SNAP can use benefits here and receive matching dollars through Link Match for fresh fruits and vegetables. Look for the red tent inside the market for assistance.

The Fox & Found Collective Market offers an indoor and outdoor shopping experience that highlights local makers and artists. Enjoy free admission and parking, live music, and a lively atmosphere while browsing one of a kind handmade pieces, original art, trendy fashion and accessories, distinctive home decor and furniture, vintage and antique treasures, and fresh foods. It is a welcoming day of shopping, creativity, and community spirit.

Gear up for a community car show at Huntley Jewel-Osco that launches the Holiday Meals Program supporting local families. Expect a showcase of vehicles, prizes for the top three entries, local vendors, and plenty of food. A suggested donation of $20 helps provide holiday dinners to neighbors in need. Individuals and businesses can make an even bigger impact through sponsorships, including a Family Sponsor at $70, Bronze at $500, Silver at $1,000, and Gold at $2,500 to $5,000. All proceeds benefit this year's Holiday Meals Program. Presented in collaboration with Huntley Jewel-Osco and Raising The Bahr Events, this celebration brings together cars, community, and giving.

Crystal Lake Masonic Lodge hosts the 4th annual fall Freemasons car show at Sew Hop'd Brewery in Huntley, a relaxed community event where every dollar raised supports scholarships for college students and donations to youth organizations. Vehicle entry is paid at the gate for $20 per car, truck, or motorcycle, and spectators are admitted at no charge, with no online payments requested. All makes and models are welcome. Car clubs can arrange reserved group parking by emailing matt.smok62@gmail.com. More than 60 custom laser cut trophies, including Best of Show and Masons Choice donated by Clipper Industries, will be presented. The event features a 50/50 raffle, music from DJ Rudy K, water and food available on site, and the brewery will be open. For questions, contact matt.smok62@gmail.com.

A free family screening of Hotel Transylvania 2 is presented by the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, with sponsorship from Camp Ruff It. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Enjoy a complimentary screening of Hotel Transylvania 2 as part of the Glen Ellyn Halloween Festival and Parade. Presented by the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, this movie event offers a festive film tie-in to the community celebration.

For the first time at Yorktown Center in Lombard, this event brings together more than 70 vendors with a selection of vintage clothing, handmade items, jewelry, and more. Entry is free and all ages are welcome. Vendor applications are available through the link in the bio.

Enjoy a friendly meet and greet with Midwest Brew featuring adoptable Beagles. Spend time with the dogs and learn more about the organization.

An open play session for ages 3 to 9 at Ultimate Ninjas Academy in Naperville features kid-friendly versions of popular obstacles, including monkey bars, trapeze bars, a rock wall, and a warped wall, along with other TV-inspired challenges in smaller sizes. Bigger ninja challenges are available with guidance from an adult or a coach.

Families with little ones age six and under can create festive calaveras by decorating brightly painted paper mache skulls with paint markers and sparkling adhesive gems. The activity draws inspiration from the exhibition Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos. Capacity is limited, so registration by email to angela@nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org is encouraged. There is no fee to attend, and a $20 suggested donation helps sustain future programs. Teaching artist Nancy Alvarado Rosas leads the session. A graphic designer since 2013, she builds creative learning experiences across disciplines and works in digital illustration, acrylic paint, and visual journals. As part of NMMA’s Education team, she has taught art, journaling, and design to children and their parents with Mexican culture as a guiding influence, and she also directs Letterkey, a stationery and lifestyle venture that nurtures organization and creativity.

Lenny Pearce brings the Toddler Rave World Tour to the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, showcasing his pioneering blend of family dance music with “Toddler Techno” and “Baby Raves.” Inspired by fatherhood and a strong commitment to home life, he delivers original songs and high-energy performances crafted to entertain kids alongside their grownups. This all ages event offers a lively, music-filled experience for families.

This fall gathering combines the Mid-Autumn, or Moon, Festival with Halloween and features trunk or treat.

Gear up for a Halloween chase through downtown Naperville that combines active tasks with brainy challenges. Teams gather clues from local businesses to navigate the route and reach the finish first, a tradition that friends, families, and coworkers have enjoyed for years. The fee is $25 per person and covers a team T-shirt, detailed race materials and instructions, and team awards.

Experience highlights of the Field Museum in Chicago on a 45-minute guided tour presented in American Sign Language and created for the Deaf community. Explore how history, science, and community connect to shape the museum. The tour meets at the Monumental Poles in Stanley Field Hall. No RSVP is required.

Taking place at Photos Hotdogs, Cruise for the Troops is free and open to all makes and models. The focus is supporting the military, and every dollar raised is donated directly to Operation Support Our Troops America 🇺🇸.

Celebrate Halloween with a community trunk-or-treat and movie night designed for kids, families, and neighbors. Costumes are encouraged, with treats offered from creatively decorated car trunks, followed by a family-friendly film amid a festive Halloween setting. Expect a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and plenty of neighborhood spirit.

Members of Eden UCC, also known as Sons of Eden, prepare and serve a spaghetti dinner for the 41st year. Dinner is served continuously, and the sauce is available on its own. Tickets and sauce are available for purchase, with discounted rates offered for advance orders.

A ghostly trolley carries guests in South Elgin, Illinois to a forest preserve with a haunted reputation, where the glow of a campfire sets the stage for storytelling that feels vividly real. Participants may choose a family friendly circle with tales and treats, or spend time with paranormal investigators for an interactive look into mysteries along the Fox River. Seasonal fun includes s'mores, hot chocolate, and activities suited to all ages. Tickets are available online and, if spots remain, can also be purchased in person on the day of the event.

The first Oswego Lantern Parade offers a free, all-ages celebration of lanterns, creativity, and community along the Fox River. The illuminated procession travels from the Oswego Public Library to Hudson Crossing Park. Parade participants are encouraged to bring a handmade lantern, with at least one per family or group, lit only with battery powered LED or fairy lights. Candles, open flames, and flying lanterns are not allowed. A limited number of last minute lantern making kits will be available at the library before the procession begins. Spectator viewing is available exclusively at Hudson Crossing Park. The library serves as the gathering and lineup point for those walking in the parade. At Hudson Crossing Park, the Oswegoland Park District Night Market adds to the festivities with live music, beverages, local vendors, food, and a professional pumpkin carving demonstration. Complimentary parking is available in the ground floor decks at the Reserve at Hudson Crossing near the park. Registration to participate is available. There is no rain date, and weather updates will be shared on the event page and on Village of Oswego social media. Presented by the Village of Oswego Cultural Arts Commission.