We are blessed to be living in a world class city like Chicago that offers so many cultural and fun activities for both adults and kids. Being in a large city also means navigating the vast number of resources. What to choose and where to look can be daunting. So, here is a curated list of FUN and some FREE events in the city this weekend! Your kiddos will love it and so will you! Enjoy and have a great weekend!
FRIDAY MARCH 4, 2016
FREE Juicebox Concert For Tots at Chicago Cultural Center
What: With engaging music and dance in a kid-friendly setting, the FREE admission Juicebox programs are geared toward the stroller set and enjoyable for the whole family. Children will experience a diverse range of artistic and educational presentations, with hosts regularly inviting youngsters to move, dance and interact with performers. Presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Juicebox series runs on alternating Fridays at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Date/Time: Friday, March 4, 2016 from 11 AM to 11:45 AM
Cost: FREE
Location:
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
312-744-6640
Celebrate Chicago’s Birthday at Chicago History Museum, FREE Entry
What: Join the fun to celebrate the city’s 179th birthday! The festive occasion includes special remarks and music to pay tribute to the City of Big Shoulders.
Date/Time: Friday, March 4, 2016 from 10 AM to 1 PM
Cost: FREE Admission to Illinois residents
Location:
Chicago History Museum
1601 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
312-642-4600
Kids Eat FREE At Dunlays On Clark
What: Dunlays on Clark is a neighborhood restaurant and bar featuring an eclectic menu such as wood-grilled artichokes, sashimi tuna, Wrightwood salad, lobster deviled eggs, and their renowned skillet chocolate chip cookie dessert. In addition to delicious food, they offer a variety of martinis featuring fresh-squeezed juices, as well as draft beers, microbrews and a unique variety of wines by the glass or bottle. It is a kid friendly place with its open space and kids menu. Kids eat FREE off the kids menu per one paying adult.
Date/Time: Kids eat FREE daily from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
Age: Limited to age 12 and under.
Location:
Dunlays on Clark
2600 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-883-6000
SATURDAY MARCH 5, 2016
FREE Juicebox Concert For Tots at Garfield Park Conservatory
What: Free concerts on alternating Saturday mornings for your kids from 11am to noon! In partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events we’ll have performances by musicians, dancers, storytellers and more. It’s the perfect place for your kids to get their wiggles out this winter and spring season.
Date/Time: Saturday 3/5/2016 at 11 AM to Noon
Age: Babies, Toddlers, Preschool
Location:
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 North Central Park Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624
312-746-5100
Humpback Whales Omnimax
What: Narrated by two time Golden Globe nominee Ewan McGregor, Humpback whales is an extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring marine mammals. Set in the spectacular waters of Alaska, Hawaii and the remote islands of Tonga, this ocean adventure offers an up-close look at how these whales communicate, sing, feed, play and take care of their young.
Date/Time: Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11 AM, 1 PM or 3 PM show
Cost: This show requires an additional ticket with a specified entry time.
Location:
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637
773-684-1414
FREE Storytime at Barnes & Noble
What: Free story time for babies, toddlers and preschool age kids.
Time: Saturday, March 5 at 11 AM
Cost: Free
Location:
Barnes & Noble, Webster Place
1441 W. Webster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-871-3610
Lil’ Kickers FREE Playdate: Celebrate their Lake Street Grand Opening!
What: Everyone’s favorite soccer program Lil’ Kickers is opening its new Lake Street location! To celebrate the grand opening, a FREE playdate is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 3 – 6 PM. Tons of fun including soccer games/drills, live music, crafts, photo booth and snacks! How fun does this sound?
If interested, you must register for this FREE playdate beforehand at the following link:
Location:
Lil’ Kickers Lake Street
1911 W Lake St
Chicago, IL 60612
SUNDAY MARCH 6, 2016
Concert for Kids at Beat Kitchen
What: Bill Brickey will be performing at The Beat Kitchen on Sunday as part of Beat Kitchen's Concert for Kids series. Bill is a talented music teacher at the famed Old Town School of Folk Music. Don't miss this fun event!
Date/Time: Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 12 PM. Doors open at 11 AM.
Location:
Beat Kitchen
2100 W. Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
773-281-4444
FREE: Celebrate Neighborhoods of the World – Italy at Navy Pier
What: Neighborhoods of the World, celebrate Italy. Chicago is famous for its ethnic neighborhoods – and Navy Pier is proud to honor the city’s Italian community with this cultural celebration for all ages. Join us for a lively afternoon of music, puppetry, mosaic workshop, colorful costumes and local vendors selling art!
Date/Time: Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 12 to 4 PM
Location:
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
800-595-7437
FREE Day at Chicago Children’s Museum
What: Sponsored by Target, FREE days at Chicago Children’s Museum is available throughout the year for kiddos and families to enjoy. Please bring Illinois ID to show proof of residency. The First Sunday of every month is FREE.
Age: FREE admission is for ages 15 and under only.
Date/Time: Sunday, March 6, 2016. All Day, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Location:
Chicago Children’s Museum
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-527-1000
Kids Eat Free at Food Life at Water Tower Place
What: Every Sunday from 5 – 7pm, kids can make their own pizza for free. It is an awesome deal as they offer three free kids meals for every adult meal purchased. Each kiddo can design his or her own pizza, baked by a Foodlife chef. To top it off, they can eat their creations while enjoying a classic kids movie on the big screen. How cool is that!? And, adults can purchase a meal from any of the kitchens within Foodlife. So, if your kiddo is craving pizza, this is the place to be!
Date/Time: Sunday, March 6, 2016 from 5 – 7 PM
Age: Limited to kids 10 and under
Cost: FREE
Location:
Foodlife at Water Tower
835 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
312-335-3663