Weekend Family Fun Guide
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS
Wreath Laying Ceremony and Memorial Day Parade
Downtown Chicago
Saturday, May 28
11 a.m. wreath laying; Noon parade
State Street from Lake St. to Van Buren, Chicago
Free
www.explorechicago.org
Atten-SHUN! The City of Chicago's Memorial Day event begins with a wreath laying at Daley Plaza at 11 a.m., followed by the parade which begins at noon. Chicago's Memorial Day parade is one of the largest in the country, and this year's theme is "Honoring Our Cadets." Parade participants include high school marching bands, Veteran's groups, ROTC students, drum and bugle corps and members of the military.
Family Day
Big Run Wolf Ranch
Saturday, May 28
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
14857 Farrell Road, Lockport
$4 per person
www.bigrunwolfranch.org
Take a walk on the wild side at Big Run Wolf Ranch during this special family day that offers guests the chance to meet some exotic animals. Amazing Animals by Samantha will be on hand with a chinchilla, kinkajou, coatamundi, tortoise, several cat and other interesting guests. The regulars will also be on site, including wolves, cougar, bear, coyotes, woodchucks and more. You'll also be able to enjoy food, drinks and music at this unique family event.
Irish Fest
Chicago Gaelic Park
Friday, May 27 – Monday, May 30
Daily hours vary, visit web site
6119 W. 147th St., Chicago
Free
www.chicagogaelicpark.org
While the calendar may say it's Memorial Day Weekend, this festival will have you summoning the luck of the Irish! Irish Fest offers four full days of entertainment, including a variety of family fare including a Carnival Midway with unlimited rides, Children's Petting Zoo with free pony rides, Irish dancing, an Irish Dog Exhibition, a "Red Hair & Freckle Face" contest, and an entertainment tent with jugglers, clowns, magic and puppet shows.
Barrington Art Festival
Downtown Barrington
Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cook and Station Streets, Barrington
Free
amdurproductions.com
Whether you're a seasoned art lover or master fingerpainter, this is one art festival that really has something for everyone. The work of more than 140 juried artists from around the world includes ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors, wood and more. For little ones, the youth art tent offers activities like Paint-a-Wall and an art scavenger hunt. And the Youth Art Division of the festival showcases original works from artists ages 6 to 18.
Cuneo Gardens Art Fest
Cuneo Mansion & Gardens
Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1350 N. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
Free admission, $5 parking donation requested
www.cuneomansion.org
At this art festival, the setting itself might draw as many "oohs" and "aaahs" as the artwork! Bring the entire family out to enjoy fine art and craft from all across the country, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics, fiber, wood, sculpture and more. Music lovers will enjoy the live entertainment both days of the festival, along with festival food that will include wraps, pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs soft drinks, wine and beer.
INDOORS
Memorial Wall
Chicago Children's Museum
Monday, May 30
2:30 p.m.
Navy Pier - 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Regular admission applies, $12 children/adults, $11 seniors.
www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Kids can learn more about the meaning of Memorial Day and then create collages in remembrance of people and pets that still hold a special place in their hearts. After doing this, enjoy a day at the museum that includes interactive exhibits like Forts, Skyline, Dinosaur Expedition, WaterWays and more.
Memorial Day Pop-In Play
Pump It Up Chicago
Monday, May 30
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 12:15 p.m. -2:15 p.m.
821 W. Eastman, Chicago
$8/child, tickets available online
www.pumpitupparty.com
If your kids haven't let out enough steam by the time Monday rolls around, take them to Pump It Up Chicago to wear them out once and for all. This special holiday jump opportunity includes your choice of two sessions - 10am-12pm or 12:15pm-2:15pm. Kids can enjoy bounce houses, slides, obstacles courses and more. This holiday playtime is open to all ages.
Pirates Weekend
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center
Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 30
10 a.m. – 8 p.m
Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road , Schaumburg
Adult Admission is $19. Child Admission is $15.
www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com
Ahoy Mateys! Bring your pint-sized pirates to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center this weekend, which is being transformed into a pirate's paradise. Pirate-themed activities include creative building challenges, a fun group build and a daily Pirate Treasure Hunt where each day someone will win a treasure chest full of LEGO® bricks.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Emerald City Theatre at Apollo Theater
Sunday, May 29
1 p.m.
2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Adults $16, Kids $13
www.emeraldcitytheatre.com
Have a day that's all about candy but won't require a trip to the dentist! When Charlie Bucket unwraps a winning golden ticket, his life is about to be turned upside down. The classic story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is brought to life in this Emerald City Theatre production, best enjoyed by kids 3 and up.
Sue Zeiler is the founder of ChicagoKids.com, which launched in 2001 and is the Chicago area's leading online resource for local parents. Her mission is to find the best family events, activities and destinations for Chicago area families.
