Chicago family weekend planner
Free things to do with kids this weekend in Chicago
Free things to do with kids this weekend in Chicago: 37 dated family events for July 11–12, with times, venues, costs, and official links. Build a 3-stop plan with FamHop.
Weekend snapshot
Plan a 3-stop day with FamHop Full weekend guide
Saturday, July 11
20 events · 20 free
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"I Can Bike There!" Summer Challenge - June 1-August 31
For adults, families, and teens We’re teaming up with the Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove to encourage you to add more biking to your summer.
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Mesozoic Match Up
Children of all ages Stop by each week to cast your vote and cheer on your favorite reptile relic to victory.
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Youth Services Summer Reading - Unearth A Story
Children of all ages Kids from birth through 8th grade are invited to dig into our exciting reading program this summer!
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Youth Summer Reading Candy Guessing Game
Guess how much candy is in the container, closest guess will win all the candy!
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Sacred Wanderings
Connect with nature and surround yourself with the energy of the natural world.
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Kids’ Fest
Get ready to embrace the beauty of summer, the great outdoors and the wonders of nature at Kids’ Fest 2026!
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R.I.P. Stewardship
Help us restore native habitats – R emove I nvasive P lants with bow saws or loppers.
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Meet Our Ambassador Animals
Meet the animals that call Crabtree home.
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Nature Wellness Walk
Learn techniques for using relaxing mindfulness and meditative practices while on a leisurely walk led by University of Illinois-Extension volunteer, Roberta Jannsen.
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Fun Factory Saturday
Children of all ages Drop by the library to make a simple craft on your own or with the help of a parent/caregiver.
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Embroidered Cards
Take your greeting cards to the next level by creating a unique embroidered design.
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Weekend Storytime
Join us for picture books, songs, and activities to promote early literacy and vocabulary skills.
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Saturday Storytime
0-5 years with caregiver Ages: 0-5 years with caregiver Join us once a month for a Saturday morning of stories, songs, flannels, and fun.
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Teen Volunteer Hours - Central
Grades 9-12 Grades: 9-12 Earn two (2) service hours doing projects to benefit the Library and the community.
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Tiempo De Cuento (Spanish Storytime)
*New Time* Children ages 2-7 Come explore a new theme every month with books, art, and interactive activities.
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Walk & Talk
Hikes are for the curious mind who wants to know more about the Forest Preserves and natural areas.
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What’s On The Menu?
Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
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Bead Botanica
Grades 5-8 Participants will combine craft and creativity to make vibrant, plant-inspired artworks using beads and pipe cleaners.
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Leer y Explorar: Spanish Bilingual Book Club
5-9 años/years Ages: 5-9 años/years El libro de este mes es Una nina llamada Rosita por Anika Denise.
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Summer Stargazing
Take a short walk and learn how to read a sky map and identify summer constellations.
Free Official ↗
Sunday, July 12
17 events · 17 free
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"I Can Bike There!" Summer Challenge - June 1-August 31
For adults, families, and teens We’re teaming up with the Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove to encourage you to add more biking to your summer.
Free Official ↗ -
Mesozoic Match Up
Children of all ages Stop by each week to cast your vote and cheer on your favorite reptile relic to victory.
Free Official ↗ -
Youth Services Summer Reading - Unearth A Story
Children of all ages Kids from birth through 8th grade are invited to dig into our exciting reading program this summer!
Free Official ↗ -
Youth Summer Reading Candy Guessing Game
Guess how much candy is in the container, closest guess will win all the candy!
Free Official ↗ -
Sunrise Hike
Step into the quiet stillness of early morning and join us for a before-hours hike to witness the beauty of a new day.
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Morning Bird Walk
Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds.
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Intro to Kayaking Class
Learn basic skills for beginner kayakers.
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Pond Dip
Discover what tiny critters are living in the pond in this hands-on science program.
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Wee Wonders: Pollinators
Learn about nature through sensory experiences, stories and artmaking.
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Bug-a-Palooza
Learn about the amazing diversity of insects as we catch and release them.
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Play, Picnic & Party
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Day! Enjoy sweet treats from the Rainbow Cone truck, then dance to 1960s rock with The Wayouts. Family fun…
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Wonderful World of Elk Grove VIllage Scavenger Hunt
Children of all ages Join us in Youth Services for a special scavenger hunt during Play, Picnic & Party!
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Disney Animated Classics
Families with children of all ages Stop into Youth Services and catch some classic Disney animation during Play, Picnic & Party.
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Bluey & Stitch Meet and Greet
Families with children of all ages Meet some favorite blue friends during Play, Picnic & Party.
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What’s On The Menu?
Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Free Official ↗ -
ScribbleMonster! Live in concert!
Families with children of all ages Join us for a lively kids' concert with ScribbleMonster!
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Team Trivia Challenge
9-12 years Ages: 9-12 Teams will compete to showcase their trivia expertise in all things popular, from science, video games, history, movies, and books.
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