Search the Community

Inspired by its current exhibition Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature exploring the trailblazing career and legacy of Scottish artist Rory McEwen (on view through August 17, 2025), the Driehaus Museum invites families to a joyful celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community with author and artist Laura Smetana, who will create a series of hands-on demonstrations based on her book My Love for You is Like a Garden. The family-friendly programming is offered during the Driehaus Museum’s Free Community Day. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Paid street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: katy@silvermangroupchicago.com.

Celebrate the 4th of July in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, with a beloved local tradition going back 30+ years - the 4th on 53rd Parade and Free Festival! The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. with marching bands, floats, community groups, and kids on decorated bikes - with a free festival after the parade from 12-3 p.m. featuring performances, games, bouncy houses, face painting, magician, and more! This is a free event, and no RSVP is required, but you can go here for more information. Paid street parking and garages are available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: acsrodon@uchicago.edu.

Step into the extraordinary world of comics and creativity at A Night with Alex Ross—an exclusive VIP evening with one of the most legendary comic book artists of our time. Be among the first to experience Alex Ross: Heroes & Villains before this special exhibition opens to the public! Known for his realistic style, Alex Ross has transformed the comic world into fine art. Using gouache paints, Ross brings classic comic book heroes and villains from the Marvel and DC universes to life. The exhibition features 100 portraits, each capturing a character’s individual attitude. Immersive, larger-than-life murals invite visitors to strike a pose with their favorite superhero or villain. Tickets are $125 each and are available at LCFPD.org/AlexRoss. Free lot parking available. Alex Ross: Heroes and Villains will be the inaugural exhibition to be held in the newly expanded 3,000-square-foot East gallery space of the Dunn Museum, located approximately 30 miles North of Chicago, and will be on view from June 29, 2025 through February 16, 2026. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: 847-968-3400.

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bennett Day School! Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Bennett Day School's program is build upon the idea that children are naturally competent, curious, and capable individuals who are co-collaborators in their education. At this playdate, you and your family can: 😋 Enjoy a morning snack 🪵 Explore the outdoor garden 🎈 Play with a variety of materials and toys in the preschool classrooms 🎉 Relax, enjoy, and engage with peers! Bennett Day School is located at 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Parking/Public Transportation Info: If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Bennett Day School is two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Park West Co-op Nursery School! Park West has been a parent cooperative preschool since our inception in 1971. This means that parents contribute to the overall management of school, by serving either on a committee or on the Board of Directors. Parents also have the unique opportunity to assist regularly in their child’s classroom, where they come to know the rhythms of group life, along with their child’s peers and teachers. More details to come! Park West Co-op is located at 2214 N Bissel St. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bennett Day School! Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Bennett Day School's program is build upon the idea that children are naturally competent, curious, and capable individuals who are co-collaborators in their education. At this playdate, you and your family can: 😋 Enjoy a morning snack 🪵 Explore the outdoor garden 🎈 Play with a variety of materials and toys in the preschool classrooms 🎉 Relax, enjoy, and engage with peers! Bennett Day School is located at 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Parking/Public Transportation Info: If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Bennett Day School is two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

Join NPN and LEEP Forward/Quantum LEEP Academy in fun activities for children ages 5-10 years old and their families. Siblings welcome! Details coming soon! LEEP Forward/Quantum LEEP Academy is located at 1447 W Montrose Ave.

Pride Month in Chicago is a vibrant celebration of love, acceptance, and community - and families across the city have more ways than ever to join in the fun. Whether you’re crafting rainbow art with your toddler, attending a family parade, or dancing at Navy Pier, there’s something for every age and stage. Here are a few family-friendly Pride events happening around Chicago this June: Rainbow Family Story Times Pride is the perfect time to read books that celebrate love in all its forms. South Shore Branch Library (June 23): This inclusive story time celebrates the beauty of diverse families through joyful storytelling. Edgewater Branch Library (June 9): Don’t miss Drag Story Time, a dazzling experience with books, music, and movement for kids ages 2–5, plus open play afterward! Creative Pride Crafts & DIY Fun Tap into your kids’ creativity and celebrate Pride Month with color and flair. Pop Out with Pride at Woodson Regional (June 4): Kids 6+ can explore LGBTQIA-themed crafts and activities at this engaging library event. DIY Pride Sunglasses at Lincoln Belmont (June 14): Teens can design festive sunglasses to wear all month long. Tie-Dye Party at Lincoln Park Branch (June 24): Teens 13+ can create wearable rainbow art. Registration is required and supplies are provided. Celebrating Pride: Family Nail Painting (Santori Library, June 19): Celebrate self-expression through a fun, all-ages nail painting event. Walk, March, and Dance Together What better way to show your pride than by getting out into the city with your loved ones! Walk with Pride at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (June 1–30): Take a peaceful, educational self-guided walk in nature to learn about LGBTQ2S+ conservationists. Aurora Pride Parade (June 8): Celebrate community spirit and inclusivity as a family in this energetic and welcoming parade. Chicago Pride Parade (June 29): Join tens of thousands on the city’s north side for the iconic 54th annual Pride Parade. Arrive early, bring snacks, and wear your rainbow gear! Festivals with Something for Everyone Chicago Pride Fest (June 21–22): With drag shows, a pet parade, dance exhibitions, and a Youth Pride Space for teens, this event is packed with activities that the whole family can enjoy. Navy Pier Pride (June 28): One of the most inclusive family Pride events in the city! Enjoy music, storytelling, dancing, and live performances spread throughout the pier. Chicago’s Pride Month celebrations offer more than just fun - they’re a chance to teach kids about inclusion, kindness, and being true to yourself. Whether you’re raising a future activist or just looking for a joyful afternoon with family, there’s a Pride event calling your name.

The Printers Row Lit Fest will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7 in Chicago's historic Printers Row neighborhood. The event will feature Sandra Cisneros, writer and author of "House on Mango Street" as the headliner and keynote speaker, more than 70 live programs on six indoor and outdoor stages, over 100 independent booksellers, children's storytelling, authors, publishers, literary organizations, educational institutions, food vendors, and more. The two-day event is the largest literary festival in the Midwest. Admission to the book fair and literary programs is free. For additional and updated information, visit www.printersrowlitfest.org. Again, this is a two day event, and takes place both Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 10A - 6P. This is a free event, and no RSVP is required, but you can go here for more information. Meter and garage parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: bberg0023@gmail.com.

Join LEEP Forward and NPN for August Adventures! This sensory-friendly, inclusive event is designed for all children, ages 2-5, with siblings of all ages welcome to join in the fun! Embrace the end of summer with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity! ☀️ Children can dive into our Sensory Bin filled with a variety of items and textures. 🖌️ We’ll have a painting station where little artists can create with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough station for creative molding and shaping. 📚 For imaginative play, kids can dress up and relax in our Summer Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating stories. 🌻 Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect natural treasures! 🎪We will also have a bounce house for our little adventurers seeking more movement activities. 🎈Our event will also include a ball pit and sensory tables for more hands-on exploration. 😋 Finally, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to keep everyone energized, and 🎉 Every family will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting! Join us for a morning of sensory exploration, connection, and end-of-summer fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

This event has been canceled. We are sorry for the inconvenience. Please check out our upcoming playdates here. Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bright Horizons! Bright Horizons provides high-quality education and child care, trusted by parents and organizations around the world, made to fit the way people learn, live, and work today! At this playdate, you and your child can: 😋 Enjoy a healthy morning snack 🫧Engage in bubble play on the outdoor playground 🪴 Experience their Garden works program by gardening and decorating pots 🖌️Paint your own canvas! Bright Horizons is located at 321 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60604. If needed, you can call them at 312-985-5142. Parking and entrance: Bright Horizons is located in the Northern Trust building. Paid parking is available in the onsite parking garage and in a paid lot across the street. Paid street parking is also available on surrounding streets and in other paid lots nearby. The entrance to Bright Horizons is in the Northern Trust building, near Potbelly. Look for the "Bright Horizons" sign on the door. Staff will be there to welcome you. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

Expand your families and children minds by exposing them to our amazing professional WNBA athletes by watching a Indiana Fever game!

Expand your families and children minds by exposing them to our amazing professional WNBA athletes by watching a Chicago Sky game!

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bennett Day School! Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Bennett Day School's program is build upon the idea that children are naturally competent, curious, and capable individuals who are co-collaborators in their education. At this playdate, you and your family can: 😋 Enjoy a morning snack 🪵 Explore the outdoor garden 🎈 Play with a variety of materials and toys in the preschool classrooms 🎉 Relax, enjoy, and engage with peers! Bennett Day School is located at 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Parking/Public Transportation Info: If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Bennett Day School is two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

Join us for a magical morning of discovery and play at Baker Demonstration School’s ‘Bloom & Grow: Spring Playdate Adventure.’ Your child will explore our thoughtfully designed early childhood spaces, plant flowers to nurture at home, play in our garden playground, and experience the joy of learning through play—the Baker way! This special event is designed for families with children ages 3-5 (by September 1st) who are curious about our early childhood program. While children engage in guided exploration, parents will have the opportunity to observe our child-centered approach in action and chat with our experienced educators. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in the school parking lot This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: skinser@bakerdemschool.org.

Mother’s Day in Chicago often brings to mind flowers, brunch reservations, and maybe a last-minute card scribbled with love (and crumbs) from the kids. And while mimosas and pancakes are always welcome, the truth is — many moms are craving something deeper this Mother’s Day. I asked moms across Chicago, from Rogers Park to Beverly, what they really want. The answers? They're refreshingly real. “I want a break. Just a real break.” "I'm with my kids all the time — I love them to death, but I'd give anything for a day with no one saying 'Mom' for a few hours. Even two!" — Jasmin, mom of 3 in Bronzeville Rest topped nearly every response. And not the kind of rest where you sneak in a nap between laundry loads. Moms are asking for guilt-free, uninterrupted rest. The kind where someone else handles things, even if just for a day. “Help around the house — without having to ask.” "A clean kitchen. No laundry on the stairs. I want my family to just see what needs to be done and do it." — Maria, Logan Square For many moms, emotional labor is the real thief of peace. The gift of initiative — not having to direct help — was high on the list. More than physical gifts, moms wanted the mental load lightened. “Time alone. And time together.” These two may sound contradictory, but Chicago moms are masters of nuance. "I want to start the day alone with a hot cup of coffee and a guilt-free scroll through my phone. Then I want to end it with my family, doing something simple like a movie night, a bedtime story, or even a picnic at the park." — Shaye, Hyde Par Solitude and connection are both precious — and most moms want a balance of both. “To be seen — and appreciated.” "Honestly? I want to feel like what I do is noticed. Not just on Mother’s Day, but still... it’s nice to hear ‘thank you’ and know it’s meant." — Katie, Edgewater A sincere thank-you, a handwritten note, or even a heartfelt conversation can go a long way. It's not about a grand gesture. It's about being seen. “Time off from the invisible job.” While many workplaces offer PTO, parenting doesn’t come with days off — even on Mother’s Day. "I love my kids more than anything, but what I want is someone else to plan the meals, pack the bags, think through what everyone needs. Just for one day." — Leigh, Lakeview Being the default parent, the planner, the finder of lost shoes — it’s exhausting. Taking over that invisible labor, even temporarily, is one of the most thoughtful gifts a partner or family member can give. The Bottom Line Yes, brunch is lovely. But what Chicago moms really want this Mother’s Day is something that lasts longer than a latte. They want space to breathe. Support without asking. Gratitude that feels real. So if you're wondering how to show up for a mom in your life this year — ask her what she needs. And then listen. It might be brunch… but it also might be silence, sleep, or someone else doing the dishes.

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bubbles Academy! Bubbles Academy is Chicago's home for creative learning, offering caregiver and child classes, a year-round preschool program, and a community that comes together to celebrate holiday and cultural events! Join NPN and Bubbles Academy for this special playdate where you can begin to make connections and build a foundation that will last a lifetime! At this playdate you and your child can: 👶 Enjoy their colorful playroom with soft, plush toys and tumbling mats for infants, crawlers, and climbers 🪵 Explore their gorgeous Nature Playground 🎵 Sing along with your favorite Bubbles musical artist 🫧 Exercise fine motor muscles with sensory play Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool is located at 2184 N. Elston Ave. Parking and entrance: Free parking in the preschool lot adjacent to the Nature Playground at 2184 N. Elston! Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

Get ready for an awesome interactive storytime with author Rachel R. Adler! Rachel will be reading their new book, Tiger Tuffy and the Awesome Birthday Bike and sharing some related activities. This is a free event and no RSVP is required. But please go here for more information. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: thehatchcomic@gmail.com.

Join Bubbles for this Mother's Day event for the whole family and for a great cause! Your little ones will enjoy open play, an interactive concert, make an art project and bouquet for mom or special caregiver. Light snacks provided and coffee sponsored by Werewolf Coffee Bar. Plus, meet the team behind Chamber of Mothers and learn more about their efforts to advocate for maternal rights in the US. They focus on 3 core areas: paid family leave, affordable childcare and maternal health. https://chamberofmothers.com/ Entry is $10. The proceeds from this event will be donated to Chamber of Mothers non-profit. RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Onsite parking lot available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: bigbubble@bubblesacademy.com.

This playdate is at capacity and registration is closed. Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Chicago Waldorf School. ☕ Sip a warm cup of tea and experience kneading bread dough. You can sample the fresh baked rolls later in the morning. 🎈Witness your child play in one of the Early Childhood classrooms and hear about the PreK and Mixed Age programs. 🪴Enjoy time together in the beautiful outdoor nature park and garden where guests are free to play or try their “hand” at finger knitting. 🐝 Listen as Early Childhood teachers share a puppet play with the group, allowing time to partake in beeswax modeling. Chicago Waldorf School is located at 5200 N Ashland Ave. Parking and entrance: Free parking can be found on Farragut and Paulina Ave. Please come to the west side of the building (5200 W. Ashland), through the black gates off Foster Ave., or the chain link fence gate off Farragut Ave. You will find our Main Doors at the southwest corner of the building, just inside the main playground area. Please ring the bell to the right of the door and you will be buzzed in. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

🎥 Win Two Tickets to The Goonies 40th Anniversary in Concert with The Chicago Philharmonic! 🎵 🎉 NPN is excited to offer members the chance to win two tickets to the one-night-only performance (Saturday, April 26 @ 7:30pm) of The Goonies 40th Anniversary in Concert with The Chicago Philharmonic at the Auditorium Theatre! Audiences will experience one of the most-loved films of the '80s with the Chicago Philharmonic playing the Dave Grusin score live to film. How to Enter: Comment on THIS POST through Monday 4/14 sharing your favorite '80s movie. Here is the link to the post: https://www.npnparents.org/forums/topic/192850-win-2-tickets-to-the-goonies-40th-anniversary-in-concert-with-the-chicago-philharmonic/ Deadline: Entries must be submitted by Monday 4/14. The winner will be contacted via email on Tuesday 4/15. Don’t miss your chance to experience this beloved adventure comedy from 1985 that follows a group of misfits on a search for long-lost treasure, complete with an ancient map, deadly booby traps, a ruthless crime family, and Baby Ruth candy bars! 🌟

Experience one of the reasons Families Together is such a great place to learn and grow – messy sensory play! You and your child are invited to make some beautiful messes with playdough, paint, glue, water, and more. Learn about the benefits of sensory play and how our play-based, emergent curriculum supports children’s development starting at age 2 ½. Meet Families Together teachers and director Ann Gadzikowski (author of Creating a Beautiful Mess: Ten Essential Play Experiences for a Joyous Childhood). Join us for snacks, parenting resources, and fun give-aways! Messy Morning PlayTime is for children ages 2-3 (age 2 by 3/1/25) and their adult caregiver(s). This is a free event and no RSVP is required. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: businessmanager@ftcns.org.

Incredible India Adventure: Bollywood Dance, Folk art, Hindi! Ultimate cultural immersion with Bollywood Dance, Indian Folk art, and Hindi! Students will learn about the magical state of Rajasthan with deserts and camels, learn a dance from there, and also learn about Holi, the festival of colors, from our Maya/Neel Holi book. This is a free trial class for an 8-week session. 10 to 10:45 am - Ages 3 to 5 years 11 to Noon - Ages 6 to 8 years This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Lot parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ajanta@bollygroove.com.

Ultimate cultural immersion with Bollywood Dance, Indian Folk art, and Hindi! Students will learn about the magical state of Rajasthan with deserts and camels, learn a dance from there, and also learn about Holi, the festival of colors, from our Maya/Neel Holi book. This is a free trial class for an 8-week session. Ages 3 to 5 - full Ages 6 to 8 - 11 am to Noon Ages 9 to 12 - Noon to 1 pm This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. The facility has a small parking lot. Street parking otherwise. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ajanta@bollygroove.com.