Chicago family weekend planner

Things to do with kids this weekend in Chicago (August 14–16)

Updated August 12, 2026

The weekend of August 14–16 in Chicago brings Craftpalooza at National Grove-South (Friday) and Wellness in the Woods: Fitness Walk at Yankee Woods (Friday). Every listing comes from the organizer's own calendar, with times, venues, and official links — free ones are marked.

Weekend snapshot

9dated family events

8likely free options

Plan a 3-stop day with FamHop Full weekend guide

Family events in Chicago this weekend: August 14–16

Friday, August 14

3 events · 2 free

10:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 10:30 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:15 PM, 12:30 PM, 12:45 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:15 PM, 1:30 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:15 PM, 2:30 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM, 3:45 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:15 PM, 4:30 PM, 4:45 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:15 PM, 5:30 PM, 5:45 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:15 PM, 6:30 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:15 PM, 7:30 PM, 7:45 PM & 8:00 PM
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago

The Fields Studios · Chicago · Ages 3–12
Official ↗
10:00 AM
Craftpalooza

National Grove-South · Chicago · Ages 5–12

Kids, get creative! Help decorate a large canvas with stamps, paint and markers. Presented with the North Riverside Public Library.
Free Official ↗
6:00 PM
Wellness in the Woods: Fitness Walk

Yankee Woods · Chicago · Ages 3–12

Join a Master Naturalist for a brisk walk around this 3-mile paved trail.
Free Official ↗

Saturday, August 15

5 events · 5 free

8:00 AM
Bird Walk

Eggers Grove · Chicago · Ages 3–12

Join a naturalist as we explore this preserve while looking for local birds.
Free Official ↗
11:00 AM
Forest Therapy Walk

Thatcher Woods · Chicago · Ages 3–12

Enjoy a mindful and mediative guided nature walk.
Free Official ↗
12:00 PM
Back to School Extravaganza at Hamilton

Hamilton · Chicago · Ages 5–12
Free Official ↗
1:00 PM
Back to School Fun Day & Bookbag Giveaway at Moore

Moore · Chicago · Ages 5–12
Free Official ↗
5:00 PM
Cultural Presentation and Dance Exhibition

Schiller Woods-East · Chicago · Ages 3–12

A showcase of Native dance forms and cultural presentations.
Free Official ↗

Sunday, August 16

1 event · 1 free

10:00 AM
Intro to Kayaking Class

Saganashkee Slough Boat Launch · Chicago · Ages 3–12

Learn basic skills for beginner kayakers.
Free Official ↗

Coming up in Chicago

Meditation & Sound Bath — August 13 · Caldwell Woods Wellness Center
Poetry Pop-up: Poetic Mechanics — August 13 · Field Museum
Trace Monotype Printing — August 13 · Swallow Cliff Woods-North