Family Events
Event Listing
Second Saturdays
Drop by and explore the city’s stories with your family through interactive activities, make-and-take crafts, music, performances, and more.
Every second Saturday of the month, 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free with Museum admission, Museum admission is free for kids 12 and under
I Heart Objects
Saturday, June 8
In June, we’re taking a closer look at the things museums collect. Complete a scavenger hunt, vote for your favorite artifact, and sketch an interesting object from our collection to add to a pop-up gallery.
Stuff to Stories
Saturday, July 13
Inspired by our photography exhibition Vivian Maier’s Chicago, we’ll focus on how objects tell stories about people. Learn how to talk about artifacts and craft your own story based our galleries.
Treasure Keepers
Saturday, August 10
Ever wonder how museums take care of important objects? We’re going behind the scenes to see how the Museum preserves artifacts. Get ideas on how to care for your own treasures and talk about how your family fits into Chicago history.
Second Saturdays at the Chicago History Museum is supported by a gift from the Siragusa Foundation.
Shalom Sundays
Join us on select Sundays for family friendly events inspired by the Jewish People’s Institute. Create craft projects, listen to music, and taste something new.
Cost: Free with Museum admission, Museum admission free for kids 12 and under
Kosher Backyard BBQ Demo
Sunday, June 9, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Kick off the summer with a kosher BBQ in the Museum’s backyard! Watch a demonstration from Chicago Tailgators: they’ll show us how to make three different delicious sliders. Play picnic-table crafts and enjoy backyard games. Sliders will be available for purchase.
This program is offered in collaboration with the Jewish ommunity Centers of Chicago.
Family Trolley Tours
Our new family trolley tours are real urban adventures. Led by family guide Josh Eisenberg, each thematic journey takes in Chicago’s unique places and spaces.
Tours begin at the Museum and run on select Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Recommended for kindergarten through 6th grade; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Hidden Places
Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Celebrate spring in Chicago with a behindthe- scenes look at secret destinations, hidden hideouts, and rooftop gardens.
Cost: $20 adult, $10 child; members: $15 adult, $5 child
Above and Below
Saturday, June 22, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Chicago is a city of many levels. Look down from a rooftop garden to see the tops of buildings and the noisy streets below. Go underground to discover the tunnels of the Chicago Pedway, and hunt for signs of the massive city above.
Cost: $20 adult, $10 child; members: $15 adult, $5 child
Water, Water Everywhere
Saturday, July 27, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Cool off this summer with a tour of the city's waterways. Explore the coastline of Lake Michigan and splash in the city's fountains. Shed your sandals on this wet and wild trip!
Cost: $20 adult, $10 child; members: $15 adult, $5 child
Extreme Chicago
Saturday, August 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Did you know that Chicago is home to some of the brightest, biggest, and boldest places in the country? Visit the site of the nation's most influential settlement house, see one of America's biggest buildings, and explore the largest green roof in the world.
Cost: $20 adult, $10 child; members: $15 adult, $5 child
Special Appearance by the Radio Disney Road Crew
Thursday, June 27, 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Discover the Chicago Fire, famous landmarks, local music, and more through singing, dancing, and crafts. Performances are forty minutes long.
Cost: Free with Museum admission.
