“TMMA’s Top Picks for a Memorable and Affordable Summer Vacation”

Children’s Health (June , free); or celebrate Mexican Independence Day with live music, art activities, and delicious food at the Independence Day Celebration (September , free). Additionally, don’t miss out on the museum’s ongoing exhibits and workshops, perfect for a fun and educational day out with the family. In addition to these special events, Chicago offers a variety of concerts and experiences suitable for all ages. Check out the Grant Park Music Festival for free outdoor classical music performances; catch a family-friendly movie screening at Millennium Park; or explore the unique attractions at Navy Pier.

Experience cultural enrichment with Storytime followed by cowboy hat decoration on June . Alternatively, partake in the engaging event Mañanas en el Museo tailored for neurodiverse individuals on July . Both events are complimentary but require registration. Visit the National Museum of Mexican Art at W. th St. or explore their website at nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org for detailed information and upcoming exhibits.

Celebrate the th of July weekend with exhilarating NASCAR action in Chicago’s second annual street race. Enjoy performances by renowned artists such as Keith Urban, The Chainsmokers, The Black Keys, and Lauren Alaina on the Main Stage. Mark your calendars for July – at Grant Park for a thrilling experience.

The Fast & Curious K event will take place at the south entry of E. Jackson Dr., situated between S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. and S. Columbus Dr. Children under the age of can participate for free on Saturday, while Sunday registration costs $ for kids and $+ for adults. Interested individuals can find more information and register at nascarchicago.com.

This unique K event combines physical exercise with mental stimulation, as participants will encounter trivia questions at various points along the course. The trivia questions have been carefully selected by the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ newsrooms. People of all ages are encouraged to walk, run, or jog in support of local journalism.

Registration for the event includes a race shirt, timed results, trivia results, complimentary Goose Island beer for participants over years of age, and refreshments.

On July th, an event will take place at Humboldt Park, located at the intersection of W. Division St. and N. California Ave. Admission starts at $ and can be purchased at suntimes.com/events. The Family Fun Fest on August th from to p.m. CT at the Harold Washington Library Center, S. State St., welcomes children of all ages to enjoy crafts, activities, music, and more. Visit chipublib.org for a list of other Summer events hosted by CPL, including Open Play Time, film screenings, and storytimes at various libraries across the city. Attendees of Veggie Fest can explore over vegetarian and vegan food booths, along with live music, yoga sessions, food demonstrations, guest speakers, and vendors, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

A variety of activities tailored for families will be available at the event, including face painting, games, crafts, music, plays, and a photo booth. Children can also take part in a vegetable and animal-themed costume parade and a family-friendly Learn to Meditate class. The event will take place on August – at Danada South Park, Navistar Circle, Lisle. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit veggiefestchicago.org.

Attend Gallagher Way’s Wiggleworms show hosted by the Old Town School of Folk Music every Tuesday at a.m. throughout the summer. All age groups are welcome to participate in the live performances and dance along. Stick around after the show to watch movies such as Lilo & Stitch, Shrek, Peter Rabbit, and Frozen.

From : p.m. to the early morning hours until September th, visitors can enjoy a series of outdoor movies at Gallagher Way located at N. Clark St. Admission is complimentary and additional information can be found at gallagherway.com. The movie lineup includes classics such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie, School of Rock, Soul, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase on-site, while VIP tickets are also an option for those looking for added perks like reserved seating, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Garrett’s Popcorn, and more. The event concludes on September th.

What we can learn

Veggie Fest Chicago is not the only exciting event happening this summer in the Chicagoland area. Gallagher Way’s Wiggleworms show offers a fun and interactive experience for all ages every Tuesday morning, followed by family-friendly movie screenings. With so many opportunities for family fun and entertainment, this summer is sure to be one to remember.