We all know summer in Chicago is pure magic, but it’s especially true with the kids. The Chicago Parks do so many free and fun things for kids of all ages, It’s the best. Whether you’re catching a movie under the stars, dancing in a park, or introducing your little ones to their first symphony concert, there’s something special (and often free!) happening almost every night.

Here are the best family-friendly outdoor movies and concerts in Chicago for Summer 2025, plus a few indoor options perfect for rainy days or a special night out.

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🎬 Outdoor Movies

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

📍 Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
🗓️ Tuesdays at 6:30 PM | July 1 – August 19, 2025
💵 FREE

This iconic downtown movie night is back with a packed lineup that’s perfect for all ages. Bring your blankets, snacks, and glow sticks!

Top Family Picks:

• July 1: The Sandlot (PG)
• July 8: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (PG-13)
• July 15: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (PG-13)
• August 12: Wicked (PG)

Tip: Arrive early for a good spot and let the kids run around the lawn before it starts.

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Movies in the Parks (Chicago Park District)

📍 Various neighborhood parks citywide
🗓️ June – September
💵 FREE

Perfect for families who want to stay local. You’ll find a rotating list of movies popping up in parks across Chicago.

Look for titles like:

• Moana 2
• The Wild Robot
• Sonic 3
• A Minecraft Movie

👉 Find your neighborhood movie here

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Gallagher Way Movie Nights

📍 Next to Wrigley Field, 3635 N Clark St
🗓️ Select Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
💵 FREE

A North Side favorite! With fun concessions and open space to play, it’s a stress-free night out.

Featured Films:

• Inside Out 2
• The Little Mermaid
• Space Jam

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🎶 Outdoor Concerts – Family-Friendly Picks

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

📍 Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
🗓️ Mondays & Thursdays, June 26 – August 7, 2025
💵 FREE

Spread a picnic blanket and soak in global sounds, from jazz to indie rock. Some nights are more chill than others, so check the schedule for the best family-fit.

🎵 Don’t Miss:

• June 26: Thee Sacred Souls (retro-soul)
• July 7: Fred Wesley and the New JBs (70s funk)
• July 14: Monsieur Periné (Columbian jazz-pop)

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Grant Park Music Festival

📍 Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
🗓️ June 11 – August 16, 2025
💵 FREE (lawn seating)

Introduce your kids to classical music in a relaxed, outdoor setting. It’s stroller-friendly and sensory-soothing.

🎶 Family Faves:

• July 4: Independence Day Salute
• July 25-26: Broadway Night: The Magic of Rodgers & Hammerstein
• August 15-16: Carmina Burana

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Ravinia Festival – Kids Concerts Series and other fun performers (not free, but $15 a ticket)

📍 Highland Park (accessible via Metra)
🗓️ June – August
💵 Lawn tickets from $15 (kids under 2 free)

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and sprawl out on the lawn. It’s like a music-and-snacks playdate with live performances in the background.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good for families:

• June 14: Elena Moon Park & Friends
• June 29: “Weird Al” Yankovic
• Aug 9: Laurie Berkner

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👏 Bonus: Free Festivals for Families

• Chicago Blues Festival (Millennium Park | June 6–8) Chill vibes and kid-friendly grooves during the day.
• Square Roots Festival (Lincoln Square | July 11-13) Very kid-friendly and fun!
• Wicker Park Fest (Wicker Park | July 25-27) They have a family-friendly area and a “pet fest.”
• Chicago Jazz Festival (Millennium Park | August 28–31) Great lawn hangouts and shaded spaces near the Art Institute.

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🧺 What to Pack for a Family Outdoor Night:

• Picnic blanket or oversized camping chairs – we have two of these!
• Bug spray & sunscreen – this bug spray is plant based and great on sensitive skin
• Light jackets (it gets chilly!)
• Kid-friendly snacks + water
• Glow sticks or bubbles to keep kids busy before showtime
• Noise-canceling headphones for sensitive ears – they come in a 2-pack, they are great for concerts, on the train, at school, etc. Mila wears them often!

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Whether you’re planning a picnic at Pritzker Pavilion or a spontaneous movie night in the park, these events are a perfect way to make summer memories with your crew. Be sure to tag @thechicagogoodlife on Instagram if you go—we’d love to see your summer fun!

Check out all my top recs for summer in Chicago here!

Cheers!

Christine