Best Summer Educational Programs For Kids In Chicago

If you couldn't register your child for summer camp this year, don't worry, as there are still plenty of ways for your child to continue learning while also exploring her interests. From family activities in museums to hands-on nature programs, there are plenty of summer educational programs on the calendar for kids in the Chicago area. Drop-in activities are available, so you can squeeze in a program or two as your family's schedule allows without committing to weeks or months of an activity at a time. You don't have to spend a ton of money on activities, either, as some of the programs are free of charge. Take a look at the following programs for this summer.

21st Annual Kaleidoscope Family Day
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
www.artic.edu

Encourage your child to broaden his or her creativity when you take part in the 21st Annual Kaleidoscope Family Day. Held July 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event includes a number of activity stations so everyone in your family can get artistic. The fun takes place at the Ryan Learning Center in the museum, and is located in the Modern Wing. After the festival, make some time to explore the Art Institute's priceless collections with your family.

Family Fun In The Parks
Chicago Park District
(312) 742-7529
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

If you live in Chicago, you won't have to look far to check out fun and educational activities for the whole family this summer. Family Fun in the Parks is part of the Chicago Park District's famed Night Out in the Parks program and includes arts and crafts activities through the Kidsmobile, which will make several stops this summer. Other activities include the Artmobile, yoga classes, a look at art and architecture, gardening, a special night out for astronomers of all ages and so much more. Many of the activities are free, too, so you can get out of the house and have fun without opening your wallet.

Forest Preserves Of Cook County
(800) 870-3666
fpdcc.com

Does your child know how to camp or paddle a boat? With special programs through Forest Preserves of Cook County, you and your child can learn how to be safe while having fun in the great outdoors. The organization also offers a number of educational programs regarding the plants and animals that call the area home, many of which are free. Programs are held at forest preserves throughout Cook County, so you may not have to travel far if you live in the area. Additional upcoming programs include a look at reptiles native to the area with "Creature Feature: Reptiles" on July 10 at River Trail Nature Center, and a look at different types of birds with "Bird Beaks: One Size Does Not Fit All" on August 6 at Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center.

Related: Best Indoor Pools In Chicago

Nature Nights
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org

This summer, your child can learn how to make maps, take part in a scavenger hunt, or harvest produce through Nature Nights at Chicago Botanic Garden. The programs are held July 9 and 23, August 6 and 20, and September 3, and include hands-on activities so your child can understand the world around her. Programs run approximately 2.5 hours, and dessert is provided. The programs are geared for children ages four to 10, and adults must accompany the children. Registration and fee details are on the garden's website.

Poetry Foundation
61 W. Superior St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 787-7070
www.poetryfoundation.org

If your tween or teen is a poet, then signing up for the Poetry Foundation's free summer poetry camp is a must. Through the camp, your young poet will explore and write different types of poetry with peers. The sessions are held throughout summer, and are divided by grade level. The camps are held at the Poetry Foundation, which is located in Chicago's Near North Side neighborhood. The camp is open to students in grades six through 12, and registration is required.

Related: Ask A Chicago Expert: 5 Fun & Easy Science Projects To Do At Home

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.