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Best Spring Festivals in Chicago for Kids and Families

Check out these spring festivals in Chicago.
Check out these spring festivals in Chicago.
3/28/25 - By Nicole Farrell

After another long winter, it's finally time for spring festivals and fairs in Chicago. From Easter to Holi to Earth Day, and from kites to art, Chicago kids have no shortage of spring festivals to make the most of warmer weather on the way... and most of them are FREE. Plus, there are can't-miss cultural festivals in Chicago like the Umbrella Arts Festival, the Polish Parade, and Mexico Fest at Navy Pier. Get your calendars out and start making plans—spring is here!

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Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo

Fairs and Spring Festivals on Easter Weekend

Prospect Heights Park District Spring Fling

Prospect Heights
Saturday, April 19
Children are invited to eat breakfast, meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs, and take pictures with the Easter Bunny! Following the egg hunt, visit Lions Field to fly your kite compliments of the Prospect Heights Library, Lions Club & Park District. READ MORE

Spring Egg-Stravaganza

Lincoln Park
Saturday, April 19
Spring into action at Lincoln Park Zoo family favorite event, Spring Egg-Stravaganza! Make unforgettable memories as kids explore the zoo searching for hidden treasures. With six egg-hunting zones* to choose from, there's something for everyone, catering to different levels of difficulty, accessibility, and terrain. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for potential animal sightings along the way! READ MORE

The Forge Celebrates Easter

Lemont
Saturday, April 19
The Forge is planning an EGGstra fun day at the park with scavenger hunts, egg hunts, egg rolls, and more. Plus, meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy special activities for kids ages 14 and under! New this year: Kids can enjoy a petting zoo from A Zoo to You! or play croquet with the Queen of Hearts. READ MORE

The Great Easter Parade

Berwyn - FREE
Saturday, April 19
Look out for the Easter Bunny as he rides on a float down 16th Street from Jefferson Field to Prairie Oak Gym. Kids can then hunt for Easter eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny at the Easter Eggstravaganza. READ MORE

Unity Park Easter Egg Hunt

Logan Square - FREE
Saturday, April 19
The Unity Park Advisory Council, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, and Grace Church Logan Square host an egg hunt for kids of all ages at Unity Park. Four different sessions of the egg hunt will take place, one on each half-hour. Kids can trade in eggs for toys and candy. A special visit from the Easter Bunny is included. READ MORE

Ravenswood Manor Egg Hunt

Ravenswood Manor - FREE
Saturday, April 19
Ravenswood Manor Improvement Association hosts an Easter Egg Hunt for the whole family at Manor Park. Children will be divided into two age groups, and the youngest group will get a head start. Samples of Nothing Bundt Cakes will be available! READ MORE
Robot Block Party. Photo courtesy of the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry
Robot Block Party. Photo courtesy of the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry

Chicago Fairs and Festivals in April 2025

The Other Art Fair Chicago

Ravenswood (children under 12 FREE)
Thursday,March 27- Sunday, March 30
The Other Art Fair, a leading artist fair for discovering the most exciting artistic talent, is set to host its 6th Chicago edition at its new home, Artifact Events. The Other Art Fair Chicago will feature original works of art from 100+ emerging artists and kick off with an Opening Night event on Thursday, April 11, with Interactive Workshops, Guest Artists, DJ Sets, Kids' Activities, Unique Installations, and much more.   READ MORE

Robot Block Party

Hyde Park
Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5
The whole family can celebrate National Robotics Week during the Robot Block Party at the Museum of Science and Industry, featuring every kind of robot imaginable, and showcasing cool robots designed by Chicago-area student and amateur teams. READ MORE

Holi - The Festival of Colors at the Naperville Riverwalk

Naperville - FREE
Saturday, April 5
The Vedic Cultural Society invites visitors to celebrate spring, friendship, and forgiveness by throwing bags of colored flour at their friends at the Naperville Riverwalk. The event includes food, music, and shopping. Admission is free, and colored bags are available for $2.50. READ MORE

Great Midwestern Train Show

Wheaton (kids under 12 FREE)
Sunday, May 4
Train enthusiasts can visit with more than 180 exhibitors at the world's largest monthly train show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. The show hosts more than 550 tables of trains in five buildings. Exhibitors sell, repair, and display model trains for fans of all ages. READ MORE

Arab American Month Celebration

Willow Springs - FREE
Sunday, April 6
Join Cook County Forest Preserves for a celebration of Arab American Heritage Month. Experience art making, cultural showcases, food and more honoring Arab American culture and contributions. READ MORE

Earth-A-Palooza

Morton Grove - FREE
Sunday, April 6
At this eco-friendly family fun fest hosted by Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and community partners, join in an array of activities including guided walks, Junior Rangers program, bird watching, touch-a-truck, tree climb, crafts and visit from Brookfield Zoo. READ MORE

Earth Day Fair at Dvorak Park

Pilsen - FREE
Saturday, April 12
Dvorak Park hosts a special Earth Day event, where kids and their caregivers can learn how they can reduce their carbon footprint through interactive displays, demonstrations, and arts and crafts projects. Families can also sign up for Earth Day clean ups. READ MORE

C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place

McCormick Place
Friday, April 11- Sunday, April 13
Get geeky at C2E2, Chicago's annual comic and pop culture convention at McCormick Place. Kids might be the most interested in the Family Play Zone, where they can play interactive games, learn to draw their favorite characters, and have fun in the free play zone. Favorite characterswill be there to meet and greet with kids. READ MORE

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Spring Fest

Brookfield
Saturday, April 12- Sunday, April 13
Celebrate Earth Month and the arrival of spring at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Enjoy live performances, savor seasonal food and drinks, shop from art vendors, and explore family-friendly activities for all ages. The event includes concerts from local performers like Wild Daisy and Are You Ready for It? as well as an art fair, a tree doctor clinic, and the opening of Rainbow Cone at the Zoo! Enjoy a free birding tour or make a craft at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. READ MORE

Local Author Fest

Wheaton - FREE
Sunday, April 26
Families can come see their favorite local authors at Wheaton Public Library as they read and sign their works. Various authors will read their books aloud at the cafe area on the main floor. READ MORE

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

Various Chicago area locations
Saturday, April 26
YMCAs around the country host free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond. Check the YMCA website to find one in your area that is participating. READ MORE

One Earth Film Festival

Various Locations
Tuesday, April 22- Monday, April 28
Kids can learn more about the environment and threats to it through films. The One Earth Film Fest includes both in-person and virtual offerings for kids ages 3 and up. Animated and live action films provide education and entertainment for families. READ MORE

Earth Day Clean Up at Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park - FREE
Saturday, April 26
Spend the morning cleaning up Lincoln Park and celebrate Earth Day. READ MORE

Oak Park Conservatory Kids' Fest

Oak Park - FREE
Sunday, April 27
Kids can learn more about plants and bees at the Oak Park Conservatory's annual Kids Fest. The event includes a celebration of bees and bee keeping, hands-on educational activities, a scavenger hunt, and crafts. See presentations form partners Trailside Museum, the University of Illinois Extension, Brookfield Zoo, and the Oak Park Public Library. Plus, interact with raptors from the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education. READ MORE

Wheeling Earth Day Celebration

Wheeling - FREE
Sunday, April 27
Celebrate Earth Day in Wheeling's Heritage Park. Take a nature walk, see what outdoor settings Wheeling has to offer, and see animals up close. Exhibitors will include Chicago Kite, JG's Reptile Show and more. READ MORE
Mexico Fest photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Mexico Fest photo courtesy of Navy Pier

Chicago Fairs and Spring Festivals in May 2025

Mexico Fest at Navy Pier

Downtown
Friday, May 2- Sunday, May 4
Navy Pier is joining forces with the Consulado General de México en Chicago & The Governments of Chihuahua, Nayarit, and Querétaro to host Mexico Fest, a weekend-long event featuring a mercadito of artisans, performances by Mexican musicians and dancers, and workshops for kids. Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico will be featured in the Culture Corner and the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. READ MORE

Lilac Time

Lombard - FREE
Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 18
The Village of Lombard celebrates spring and the blooming of the 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips in Lilacia Park with this annual festival. The festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts fair, botanical tours, a 5K, a parade, and a father-daughter dance. Entry to the park is always free, but some events charge admission. READ MORE

Polish Constitution Day Parade

Grant Park - FREE
Saturday, May 3
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to attend the Chicago Polish Constitution Day Parade, in celebration of the Polish Constitution of 1791 and Poland's Independence. The theme for 2025 is "1000 years of the Polish Kingdom."   READ MORE

Go Fly A Kite

Wheaton - FREE
Saturday, May 3
Go Fly a Kite is a free event held in Wheaton’s Graf Park that encourages the community to come out and enjoy spring and fly kites! This event is a great opportunity for local companies and organizations to promote and showcase their business to families within the community. This event brings over 1,000 participants of all ages each year. The grand launch takes place at 11am and is followed by kids’ activities and a kite demonstration. READ MORE

Art in Wilder Park

Elmhurst - FREE
Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4 
Families can enjoy a beautiful day in the park along with the artwork of more than 100 artists, food, music, and children's activities. A wide variety of artwork will be for sale including jewelry, glass, ceramics, painting, photography, and sculpture. Live music will play and Pilot Pete's Coffee & Treats will be on hand at Wilder Mansion providing coffee, pastries, and lunch. READ MORE

Cook County Forest Preserves Kite Fest

Schaumburg - FREE
Saturday, May 10
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, participate in all things kites. The event includes kite demonstrations, crafts, and more. READ MORE

Great Midwestern Train Show

Wheaton (kids under 12 FREE)
Sunday, May 4
Train enthusiasts can visit with more than 180 exhibitors at the world's largest monthly train show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. The show hosts more than 550 tables of trains in five buildings. Exhibitors sell, repair, and display model trains for fans of all ages. READ MORE

Spring Festival at the Trailside Museum of Natural History

River Forest - FREE
Sunday, May 4
Spring in Chicago has (finally) sprung and kids can celebrate with animal encounters, tree climbing, guided spring wildflower walks, bird banding, dip netting, seed planting, birdhouse building, and more. The free event will take place at River Forest's Trailside Museum of Natural History. READ MORE

Chicago River Day

Various locations along the Chicago River - FREE
Saturday, May 10
Volunteer to help the Friends of the Chicago River create a litter-free environment. Dozens of sites throughout Cook County invite families to come pick up trash, paddle up and down the river, and be inspired by the animals, plants, and people around the river. READ MORE

Northbrook Art in the Park

Northbrook Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11
More than 80 artists fill Village Green Park with their wares as restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops treat customers to food at this annual festival. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend fun. READ MORE

Umbrella Arts Festival

Evanston - FREE
Saturday, May 11
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander culture and art in downtown Evanston. This event is designed to increase visibility and representation of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, create shared experiences, and dispel myths. The umbrella symbolizes the ASPA diaspora which includes a diversity of ethnicities from over 40 countries around the world. READ MORE

Mayfest Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park
Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18
End spring and kick off summer with live music and festival foods in Lincoln Park. Families can check out live music from family friendly entertainers early in the day. READ MORE

Spring Roscoe Village Art and Craft Festival

Roscoe Village - FREE
Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18
This spring festival on Chicago's North Side includes fabulous paintings, sculptures, fiber pieces, décor, jewelry, and more, all made by local artists. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend's fun. Bring your old art to donate to Chicago Furniture Bank. READ MORE

Skokie Festival of Cultures

Skokie - FREE
Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19
Celebrate all the cultures of the world in the multi-cultural suburb of Skokie. The event in Oakton Park includes two stages of music and dancing, food and beverage vendors, children's games and activities, interactive cultural booths, and an amazing display of flags. READ MORE

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival

Lakeview
Friday, May 23-Sunday, May 25
Families can kick off summer with music, food, and drinks at this annual Lakeview street festival. READ MORE

Chicago Memorial Day Parade

Chicago Loop - FREE
Saturday, May 24
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to the annual Memorial Day Parade, in honor of all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The parade begins at noon, following a wreath laying ceremony at 11am in Daley Plaza, and proceeds from State and Lake to Van Buren Street. READ MORE

Barrington Art Festival

Barrington - FREE
Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26
More than 120 artists fill the streets of downtown Barrington with their wares as restaurants, bars and ice cream shops treat customers to food at this annual festival. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend fun. READ MORE

Maifest Chicago

Lincoln Square
Thursday, May 29- Sunday, June 1
Families can don their dirndls and lederhosen and step out to Lincoln Square for German and American food, music, and gemuetlischkeit. The event features carnival games, the crowning of the Maifest Queen and decorating the May Pole. READ MORE

Windy City Hot Dog Fest

Portage Park
Friday, May 30- Sunday, June 1
Taste all the hot dogs Chicago has to offer at this Six Corner festival. In addition to classic Chicago hot dogs from Byron's and Chicago Doghouse, families can taste internationally inspired hot dogs from Baked Cheese Haus, Indian hot dogs from Tikka Masala Dogs, and Asian inspired hot dogs from Lee Concessions. Live music and a hot dog eating contest round out the fun. READ MORE

Chicago Steampunk Exhibition

Schaumburg
Friday, May 30- Sunday, June 1
This year, the family-friendly steampunk exhibition takes guests back to the 1893 Exposition and the Curse of Cthulu. Kids can find a variety of activities themed around the spooky theme at this unique exhibition throughout the weekend. Enjoy a live action role playing game, foam fighting, and a Victorian tea time. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Forge at Lemont Quarries
Trailside Museum of Natural History