The Gardner School is committed to supporting parents to ensure every child’s learning journey continues beyond the classroom. To help, we’ve created an exclusive guide to Chicagoland’s free attractions, events, and activities that are tailored to meet the needs of preschoolers and their families! Our guide highlights unique opportunities for fun and learning so you can discover new and exciting adventures in our beautiful communities.
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
The library recently wrapped up a $1 million renovation project of its children’s space, Kids’ World, and it is well worth the trip! With an interactive family area, imagination station, and baby garden, your family is sure to have a blast! Don’t miss the massive Everbright wall, and be sure to check out the program calendar for play and storytime hours and to learn more about their free traveling exhibits.
A Night at the Movies (Naperville)
For a fun and free Friday night event, head to the park for a family-friendly movie! There are two showings each month, typically starting in late July and ending in early September. Naperville Park District also hosts engaging events throughout the year, including the Children’s Lunch Hour Entertainment every Tuesday, free concerts, and the annual Pumpkin Smash event!
Historic Wagner Farm (Glenview)
Learn all about what life was like during the early 20th century on this 18.6-acre farm. You can collect eggs, browse a 1930s grocery store, and explore interactive exhibits in the Heritage Center. The Ag Adventure area offers a wonderful playground with a sandbox, tire swing, and another nearby interactive exhibit. As another bonus, the farm hosts the Glenview Farmers Market every Saturday from June through October.
Explore a Nature Center
Wildlife and environmental experts help turn nature centers into interactive and educational mini-museums, offering fun experiences for families. Many are located indoors so that you can visit year-round. When the weather is nice, you can opt for an outdoor adventure with your little one and hit one of the nearby trails. Knoch Knolls Nature Center in Naperville offers hands-on activities that are regularly changed and easy access to short trails.
DuPage County Historical Museum
This local history museum has fun and interactive activities for children, such as the kitchen station, wooden railroad, and costumes in the Inside History exhibit. The museum is best known for a detailed model railroad with over 2,000 ft. of track! Trains run from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the third and fifth Saturday of each month, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. While admission is free, donations are always welcome.
Chicago Public Library (multiple locations)
Public libraries serve as excellent resources for families looking to have some fun for free. The Chicago Public Library and its branch locations offer a variety of educational activities, including craft programs and storytime hours. Check out the events page to find activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers at branch locations in your neighborhood.
Partnering With Chicagoland Parents
The Gardner School is proud to partner with parents to provide support as you introduce your children to new experiences. Take a look at our blog page for inspiration and helpful tips on a wide variety of topics.
Interested in enrolling your child at one of The Gardner School locations? Find a location near you and reach out to schedule a tour! We’re always here to answer your questions.