Chicago in the summertime is full of fun family festivals. You’ll discover all kinds of exciting events, from the biggest book fair in the Midwest to a lakefront air and water show featuring the high-flying U.S. Navy Blue Angels and a nighttime boat parade that ends with light-up-the-sky fireworks.
Day One
Explore the playground and jungle gyms and listen to the band, Wee Hairy Beasties, at Sauganash Park's Playground-Palooza on June 28! Step into the zone at the K.I.D.S Zone Festival July 12-13 with crazy activities and food. See the circus or cut a rug on the dance floor at the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest August 22 – 24. You can also watch a performance in the theater or sing-along with the concerts. Eat outdoors at The Plaza at Park Grill in Millennium Park or grab a burger and milkshake and watch the staff dance on tables at Ed Debevic's.
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Day Two
Check out the Old Town Art Fair from June 14-15, and work on cool art projects in the Children's Corner. At the Taste of Chicago, held June 27-July 6 in Grant Park, gobble up everything from delicious deep-dish pizza to yummy cheesecake served up by more than 70 local restaurants. At the Taste's Family Village you'll find live entertainers, games, crafts and a carousel. The Old Town School of Folk Music hosts the Chicago Folk & Roots Festival in Welles Park July 12-13. Catch fun music and cool dance performances in the Kids Tent. Start the day with chocolate chip pancakes at Nookies or feast like animals for dinner at the Rainforest Cafe.
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Day Three
A crazy lion dance kicks off the Chinatown Summer Fair on July 20, where you'll learn about Chinese culture and see live Asian entertainment. Ooh and aah at the magical lighted boats as they parade along Lake Michigan during Venetian Night, held on July 26. Stick around for the eye-popping fireworks afterwards. It's a bird…it’s a plane…it's the 50th annual Chicago Air & Water Show, happening August 15-17 along the lakefront. For lunch on the lake, try North Avenue Beach's Castaways Bar & Grill. At dinner, chow down on Chicago's famed deep-dish pizza at Pizzeria Uno.
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