May Day, May Day! The great month of May is on its way, the month that finishes the seasonal transition from Spring to Summer.
Celebrate the changing seasons with your family by enjoying some of these great things to do with the kids in Chicago this May!
1. Celebrate some Polish history at the Polish Constitution Day Parade
Saturday 2nd May 2026
11:30am
Columbus Drive, Chicago
Take the kids to watch the Polish Constitution Day Parade on Columbus from Balbo to Monroe, commemorating Poland being the first country in Europe to become a constitutional democracy on May 3, 1791. The free parade begins at 11:30 a.m.
2. Go to the Skokie Festival of Cultures
Saturday 16th May – Sunday 17th May 2026
11am-6pm
Oakton Park, Skokie
Skokie’s annual global culture festival has attendees snacking on ethnic food and sipping beer from around the world. Enjoy music, dance, art and a host of games at this family-friendly fest in one of Chicago’s nearest suburbs.
3. Treat Mom to Mother’s Day Brunch at the Zoo
Sunday 10th May 2026
9am, 11am, 1pm
Brookfield, Illinois
Bring the kids to celebrate Mom! A free glass of frosé and live music awaits moms at the Mother’s Day Brunch at Brookfield Zoo, located just outside Chicago. Make a reservation and come be celebrated!
4. Explore at Chicago Children’s Museum
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-2pm
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm
Navy Pier, Chicago
Head to Chicago Children’s Museum for a day of interactive play and learning, with hands-on exhibits designed for all ages. This is the perfect choice for the unpredictable May weather!
5. Visit Lincoln Park Zoo
Open daily
10am – 5pm
Visit the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Free to visit, the zoo is a great place to keep children engaged.
With so much to choose from, which of these will you try first? Start planning your adventure now and make the most of everything Chicago has to offer!