Free things to do this weekend in and around Chicago

Chicago's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, June 26, 2026 to Sunday, June 28, 2026

(Scroll down for full, detailed list of free weekend activities.)

Fun Fridays at the Shell: Scribble Monster - The Shell at Reed-Keppler Park - Arbor Avenue, West Chicago, IL, USA, Friday, June 26, 2026, 11:00 AM

Summer Fireworks at the Navy Pier 2026 - Navy Pier - 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, United States, Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00 PM - 10:10 PM

Pop Up in the Park: The Power of Imagination at West Ridge Community Center - West Ridge Community Center - Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL, USA, Saturday, June 27, 2026, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Nature Playdates at Heller Nature Center: Messy Play Day - Heller Nature Center - Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL, USA, Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Summer and Shade Community Market - 5005 Dundas St W, Etobicoke, ON M9A 4Y6, Canada, Saturday, June 27, 2026, 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

College students can participate in bicultural identity study - University of Rochester - ONLINE ONLY, Friday, June 26, 2026 to Sunday, June 28, 2026, 24/7

Kids Bowl Free: Register your kids for a summer fun bowling pass today - Kids Bowl Free - Find a participating bowling center near you today!, Friday, June 26, 2026 to Sunday, June 28, 2026, See website for details.

Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Chicago - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, June 26, 2026 to Sunday, June 28, 2026, See link for times