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Things to do with kids in August
We found one free or cheap event a day from now through Labor Day.
Week of July 29
Telescopes will be at Ravinia for One Score, One Chicago: The Planets.
July 29: Wicker Park Fest
Get into the neighborhood vibe at this festival featuring indie music acts—Budos Band, Lucero, Kill Hannah—us food, and local arts and craft. Noon–10pm, Milwaukee Ave, between Paulina St and North Ave (773-384-2672, wickerparkfest.com). $5, free for kids.
July 30: Special Needs Night
The Naperville Park District has set aside some beach time especially for families with special-needs kids. Bring the whole family for a quiet, less stressful evening. 6:30–8:30pm, Centennial Beach, 500 W Jackson Ave, Naperville (630-848-5000, napervilleparks.org), $3.
July 31: One Score, One Chicago: The Planets
Ravinia encourages Chicagoans to all study The Planets, a suite composed by Gustav Holst that celebrates our celestial neighbors. At this live performance by Chicago Symphony Orchestra, highlights include special videos with actual footage of the planets, plus telescopes set up for stargazing after dark. 8pm, Ravinia Pavilion, 418 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park (847-266-5100, ravinia.org), $10 for lawn tickets.
August 1: Old-Fashioned Campfire—Full Moon
This "old-fashioned" campfire lets families and friends enjoy a guided hike with a park naturalist with delectable s'mores and camp games to follow.
7:30–9pm, Park Avenue Beach, 8 Park Ave, Highland Park (847-433-6901, pdhp.org), $8.
August 2: Mr. Singer presents "It's Only Natural"
The playlist at these half-hour, first-Thursday concerts focuses on nature, natch, so expect to hear lyrics about plants and animals while the little one sings along. 1:45–3:15pm, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr (773-755-5100, naturemuseum.org), $9, $7 for students and seniors, $6 for ages 3–12 and free for kids under 3.
August 3: The 11th Annual InterArts Festival: Striding Lion Student Performance
After spending four weeks with artists in the Striding Lion performing group, residency students will present original dance, theater, and music performance. 4pm, McCormick Tribune YMCA, 1834 N Lawndale Ave (773-769-7540, stridinglion.org), free.
August 4: Edgewater Farmers' Market
Bring your kids to the farmers' market with you in the morning. Make sure to get there by 10am to see Chicago-based singer-songwriter Megan Deiger perform as a part of “Music at the Market.” 8am–1pm, Norwood St and Broadway St (edgewater.org/farmersmarket), free.
