Children’s Summer 2024 Activities in Central Illinois & Chicago

Don't miss out on the best places to visit and explore in Illinois with the kids this summer. We've even included FREE days for a host of museums in the state.

On June 15 and 19, everyone gets FREE entry to Henson Robinson Zoo in Springfield from 10 am to 5 pm!

On Sunday, June 23, Sherman Amphitheater is hosting a concert at 5 pm with free ice cream!

On Thursday, June 27, Rochester Library has a Water Day from 1.30 pm to 3 pm. Everyone is welcome!

On July 1, Celebrate Independence Day at Lincoln’s New Salem in Petersburg, Illinois, with period demonstrations and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

On July 9, Lincoln Library will host Wild Times Exotics Animal Show in the Carnegie North from 2 pm to 3 pm Wild Times Exotics animal show! Meet some cuddly (and maybe not so cuddly!) new friends at this fun, interactive hour in downtown Springfield.

The Illinois State Fair opens on August 8 and runs until August 18. Concerts, fair food, animals, and so much more - this is a must for your summer bucket list!

While you are there, make sure you check out the Route 66 Experience!

Chicago Botanical Gardens has free entry to Illinois residents on June 11, 13, 19, July 9 and 11, and August 6 and 8.

The Field Museum in Chicago is free to Illinois residents on June 12, 19, and 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, and August 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is free, 365 days a year!

The Museum of Science and Industry is free on June 19.

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago is free to Illinois residents every Thursday!

The Shed Aquarium in Chicago is free to Illinois residents on June 11, 18, and 25.

Scovill Zoo in Decatur is free on Thursdays all summer!

The Lincoln Memorial Gardens in Springfield will open the new children’s playscape this summer!

Have fun and let us know if you have a FREE event for kids, you’d like us to add to the list!