Chicago North Shore Moms rounded up summer activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers on the North Shore! Note that some require free registration in advance.
Photo credit: Chicago North Shore Moms
1. Free Outdoor Storytime at Evanston Public Library Mondays June – August 10 | 10:30 – 11:30am | The Robert Crown Branch Library, featuring 30 minutes of stories and songs followed by outdoor playtime with water tables, chalk, and toys. No registration is required for the summer session.
2. Wednesdays in the Woods: Children’s Concerts Wednesdays, June – August | 11 – 11:45am | Hubbard Woods Park | 939 Green Bay Road, featuring a free interactive children’s concerts! Bring a picnic lunch or pick up food from one of the nearby Hubbard Woods businesses. Be sure to bring your bathing suit to enjoy the splash pad at the park! All children must be accompanied by an adult.
3. Explore the Skokie Lagoons – rent a canoe or kayak or fish! All summer-long weather permitting |Tower Rd, west of Forestway Dr, 60093. The 894-acre Skokie Lagoons are a prime destination for water exploration, featuring public boat access, biking and hiking trails, and picnic areas. It’s free to walk, bike, and explore the trails — perfect for strollers and little ones! Boat rentals are available from April to October, weather permitting. Service begins in mid-April on a first-come, first-served basis, operating from Fridays through Mondays, and expands daily in May. After Labor Day, service is available on Fridays through Sundays. Please call 847-414-5883 to confirm availability before visiting.
Photo credit: Chicago North Shore Moms
4. Free Beach Access for Under 3 — Glencoe Beach 55 Hazel Avenue, Glencoe IL 60022 | Children under age 3 are free at Glencoe Beach (adults are $12/24 Residents/Nonresidents). The beach features a sprayground for children and lifeguards are on duty daily during beach season. A perfect spot to splash and play with the littlest ones! The beach is open 8am – 10pm.
5. Little Bearfoot Children’s Concerts July 10, 17 and 24, 10:30am | Gallery Park Amphitheater, This adorable summer entertainment series that’s just right for kids! It’s whimsical, interactive and delightful entertainers provide a fun-filled outing for your whole family.
Spray park at Little Bear Garden Park, Glenview
6. Music with Mr. Dave at Braeside Market — Highland Park Music with Mr. Dave takes place every Friday at 9:30am at Braeside Market 55 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park | goes through the summer. $32 drop in. This is a fun, low-pressure class where kids can move, play, and enjoy music together. Pre-registration is required. Mr. Dave serves ages 3 months to 4 years, making it ideal for the littlest ones.
7. Chicago Botanic Garden — Glencoe The Botanic Garden is a go-all-summer destination for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Summer highlights include the Model Railroad Garden (May through October) with 19 model trains running on 19 tracks passing miniature American landmarks, and Butterflies & Blooms (end of May through Labor Day) — an immersive habitat filled with hundreds of live tropical butterfly species. The Garden also offers day camps for 2- to 3-year-olds throughout all four seasons, with Friday sessions exploring nature, learning, and creating together with a parent. Admission is paid; members get free entry. Don’t miss Morning Music Tuesdays & Thursdays through August, Music on the Esplanade Mondays & Wednesdays through August and the Nature Play Garden! This is not a budget excursion but one we’d highly recommend because you’ll be busy all-day-long. Expect to spend around $100 for two adults and two children under the age of 12 or consider purchasing a membership if you think you’ll go more than one time. The food is great with plenty of kid-friendly options and treats.
Nature Play Garden at Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo Credit: Chicago North Shore Moms
8. Preschool Open Gym at Wilmette Park District Gymnastics — Wilmette The Wilmette Park District has a 10,000+ square foot state-of-the-art gymnasium — one of the finest gymnastics facilities in Illinois. Their gym features a padded and carpeted area for preschool children ages 2 to 6 years old, full of equipment that is just their size, plus a glass-enclosed viewing area so parents can watch. Open Gym sessions run throughout the summer — check their site for the current seasonal schedule and fees.
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