Crisp mornings, colorful leaves and a fresh start make fall the perfect time to discover something new. Whether you're planning for the school year, exploring after-school activities or searching for family-friendly events, the Lincoln Park Fall Family Guide is filled with local opportunities to help your family make the most of the season.

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Join the Alphonsus Family: Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts

Your child deserves a loving, safe space to learn and grow--Alphonsus is it! Their 2 year old Tots Program, 3-4 year old Preschool program, and their Kindergarten - 8th grade program offers excellent academic preparation within a supportive, inclusive Catholic community.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts

1439 W. Wellington

Fall & Winter Open Houses at British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park

Limited spaces are still available in select grades for the 2026–27 school year! Start your child’s global learning journey at their dynamic international school for children aged 15 months – 11 years. Join one of their Open House events or book a tour to discover their welcoming community, innovative curriculum, and admissions process. Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward an exceptional international education.

Saturday, November 14

Sunday, January 10

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park

814 & 821 W. Eastman Street

For Your Child Preschool

For Your Child Preschool is your child's home away from home. Where neighborhood warmth meets exceptional early childhood education in the heart of Chicago. 

Book a tour today. 

For Your Child Preschool

2411 N. Marshfield

Prospective Parent Group Tours at Immaculate Conception - St. Joseph School (ICSJ)

Join ICSJ for coffee and a tour to learn why so many city families love ICSJ, their 3 year old - 8th grade "hidden gem" Catholic school! Meet school leaders, teachers, students, and current ICSJ parents during this brief tour of one or both of their campuses. Visit their website to learn more about ICSJ, and to RSVP for a tour!

Thursday, September 10

Thursday, October 15

Thursday, November 12

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception - St. Joseph School

1431 N. North Park

Kensington School of Lincoln Park

With over 50 years of experience, Kensington School pairs caring teachers with programs that inspire curiosity, joy, and learning from infancy through Junior Kindergarten. Kensington School of Lincoln Park's unique environments include The Sky Room atrium, a spacious rooftop playground with child-planted gardens, The Kensington Tinkerlab, and The Nest indoor play space for infants and toddlers.

Kensington School of Lincoln Park

2745 N. Lincoln

Lower School Open House at Latin School of Chicago

See Latin in action at an Open House. Meet faculty, students, parents and guardians while exploring their rigorous academic program, learn about athletics, the arts and student life, and see how Latin challenges and supports every learner from junior kindergarten through 12th grade.

Thursday, October 15

5:45 - 7:45 p.m.

Latin School of Chicago

1531 N. Dearborn 

Space Available in Parent-Tot Programs at Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School

Join their play-based, cooperative preschool this fall! Space remains available in their Parent-Tot classes. Children 18 months or older attend with a caregiver and learn side by side with experienced teachers. Time options include 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Classes begin September 11

Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School

1753 N. Fern

Back to School/ Little Learners Birthday Party at Little Learners Academy

Join Little Learners Academy as they celebrate their first birthday! Enjoy free occupational therapy and speech screenings, children’s crafts, raffle prizes, and learn more about their program. They can’t wait to celebrate this special milestone!

Sunday, September 13

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Menomonee Club

450 W. Menomonee

Play and Explore Open House at Mary Meyer School

Step into a real Mary Meyer School day! Children are invited to play, create, and explore their schoolhouse classrooms while families meet their educators and experience the warmth, wonder, and purposeful play that have defined Mary Meyer School since 1943.

Saturday, November 7

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Mary Meyer School

2817 N. Pine Grove

Preschool Tours at Mary Meyer School

Come see what makes Mary Meyer School so special. Wander their charming schoolhouse, explore the Playgarden, meet their teachers, and experience how purposeful play inspires children to grow with joy, curiosity, confidence, and a true love of learning. Weekly tours available by reservation.

Every Thursday or by request

9:30 a.m.

Mary Meyer School

2817 N. Pine Grove

Admissions Tour at Park West Cooperative Nursery School

Join Park West Co-op Directors and current parents for an overview of Park West's philosophy and pedagogy, more information about their preschool programs and a tour of their award-winning classrooms and indoor gym space.

Click here for schedule.

9:00 a.m.

Park West Cooperative Nursery School

2214 N. Bissell

Evening Open House at Park West Cooperative Nursery School

Join Park West Co-op Directors, teachers and current parents for an Evening Open House & Tour for an overview of Park West's philosophy and pedagogy, more information about their preschool programs and a tour of their award-winning classrooms and indoor gym space.

Wednesday, December 9

6:30 p.m.

Park West Cooperative Nursery School

2214 N. Bissell

School Tour & Coffee Events at St. Josaphat School (SJS)

Experience the vibrant energy of SJS! Their Tour & Coffee events offer the ultimate insider's look to see their amazing school in action during the school day. Enjoy an interactive presentation featuring their students, teachers, and administrators, followed by a school tour led by their fantastic parent volunteers. It is the perfect, all-in-one opportunity to discover the SJS HAWKS!

Click here for schedule.

Starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.

St. Josaphat School

2245 N. Southport

Open House at St. James Lutheran School

Thinking about starting your child in school or transferring somewhere new? 2026/27 school year enrollment is open! Come and see why St. James is the right choice for your family. Join them at St. James Lutheran School on Sunday, September 13 for an Open House! (Their church Block Party will be running across the street!)

Sunday, September 13

12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

St. James Lutheran School

2101 N. Fremont

Virtual Admissions Coffee at St. James Lutheran School

At their Virtual Admissions Coffee Sessions, you will learn about St. James from the Director of Admissions and current faculty. Bring your questions or submit them ahead of time by email. Virtual Admissions Sessions will take place over Zoom. They will follow up with details on how to connect. 

Thursday, October 15

9:00 a.m.

Virtual Event

Email to sign up.

Little Lights Open House at St. Pauls

Searching for a place where your child is truly known and your family feels at home? Join St. Pauls Little Lights for free play and socialization in their gym as well as tour classrooms, meet parents and learn about their community. This is an open invite to all of their neighbors.They can’t wait to meet you!

Saturday, September 19

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

St. Pauls Little Lights

2335 N. Orchard

Family Playdate & Open House at Park West Co-op

Join Park West Co-op for a morning of play! Explore their engaging preschool classrooms, enjoy hands-on activities chosen by their teachers, and run, jump, swing, and slide in their indoor gym. Meet their community and discover how Park West's cooperative model makes families active partners in their children's early learning.

Sunday, December 6

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Park West Cooperative Nursery School

2214 N. Bissell

Tour the School that Changes Everything at Fusion Academy Lincoln Park

Fusion Academy Lincoln Park is a fully accredited 1-to-1 private school for grades 4-12, where personalized education unlocks the full potential of students with learning, social, or emotional differences. Features include 1-to-1 & virtual small group classes, full/part-time options, flexible schedules, classes for credit, tutoring/mentoring,

college and post-secondary counseling. Sign up for an Open House today!

Wednesday, August 26

9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Fusion Academy Lincoln Park

1440 N. Dayton, Suite 104

Middle School Open House at Latin School of Chicago

See Latin in action at an

Open House. Meet faculty, students, parents and guardians while exploring their rigorous academic program, learning about athletics, the arts and student life, and see how Latin challenges and supports every learner from junior kindergarten through 12th grade.

Tuesday, October 20

5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Latin School of Chicago

49 W. North

Upper School Open House at Latin School of Chicago

See Latin in action at an Open House. Meet faculty, students, parents and guardians while exploring their rigorous academic program, learning about athletics, the arts and student life, and see how Latin challenges and supports every learner from junior kindergarten through 12th grade.

Sunday, October 18

Morning session:

9:00 - 11:40 a.m.

Afternoon session:

12:30 - 3:10 p.m. 

Latin School of Chicago

59 W. North

Back-to-School Speech & Language Services with Embark Speech and Language Therapy

Have questions about your child’s speech or language development? Embark Speech & Language Therapy is welcoming new families this fall! Serving infants through school-age children, Embark provides individualized evaluations and therapy in its office or through convenient in-home, daycare, and school visits throughout the community.

Embark Speech and Language Therapy

Click here for participating schools.

Children’s Therapy with Lumiere

Lumiere is a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy practice providing speech, occupational, physical, behavioral therapy (ABA), social work, and therapeutic preschool services.

Lumiere Children’s Therapy

1500 N. Clybourn

Parent & Toddler Judo & Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 3–4) with Bel Air Academy

Enjoy quality time with your toddler while introducing them to movement, confidence, and social skills through fun, age-appropriate Judo and Jiu-Jitsu activities. This small-group program blends structured learning, games, and parent participation in a safe, supportive environment. Fall 2026 session begins September 13.

Sunday, September 13 – Sunday, November 15

10:00 a.m.

Bel Air Academy

2657 N. Clybourn

Youth Jiu-Jitsu with Bel Air Academy 

Arts & Fitness is a youth-focused martial arts academy helping kids build confidence, discipline, resilience, and respect through Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. With small class sizes, caring coaches, and an exceptional family-oriented community, they provide a safe, supportive environment where children grow on and off the mats.

Bel Air Academy

2657 N. Clybourn

Big Blue Swim School Lincoln Park – Opening This Fall

Big Blue Swim School is opening in Lincoln Park this fall! Families can join the VIP interest list for exclusive pre-opening updates, early enrollment opportunities, and special offers. Offering swim lessons for all ages from infants to adults. Big Blue helps swimmers build confidence, develop life-saving water safety skills, and enjoy a fun, supportive learning environment.

Big Blue Swim School – Lincoln Park

1730 W. Fullerton, Suite 17

Free Assessments for Fall Courses with Brain Power Enrichment

Brain Power offers Ph.D. and expert-taught accelerated after-school Math, Language Arts, and Public Speaking classes for students from kindergarten through grade 12, with sessions after 5:00 p.m. at the British International School of Chicago in Lincoln Park and South Loop. Free assessment is required for full-year classes. Classes fill quickly, so please book your free online or in-person assessment today!

Brain Power Enrichment

British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park and South Loop OR Online

Fall Sensory Subscription Program from Happy Minds LLC

Happy Minds brings screen-free, hands-on sensory play to Lincoln Park families this fall with the Harvest Sensory Box. Delivered monthly, each box features pumpkins, leaves, and cozy autumn textures paired with a craft, skill-building game, and parent guide — no prep, no batteries, no screens. Subscribers save up to 15% and can skip or cancel anytime.

Discover more at happymindsbox.com.

ICSJ Little Dolphins Music & Movement at St. Joseph School Immaculate Conception 

Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School invites you to join their free Little Dolphins Music and Movement Class for babies and toddlers! Kids and their caregivers enjoy 30 minutes of guitar-led music and dancing and 30 minutes of free play at their lower grades campus. 

Fridays

September 11 - May 28

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception - St. Joseph School

1431 N. North Park

Little Dolphins Early Learners at ICSJ School

Enjoy special time with your 20 mo.- 3 yr. old tot in the Little Dolphins Early Learners program! These Tuesday and Thursday classes help prepare kids for drop off preschool. Circle time, centers, crafts, stories, snacks, and outdoor “recess,” together with mom, dad, nanny or granny, will help kiddos hit the ground running in preschool. Free onsite parking.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

September 15 - May 27

9:25 - 10:55 a.m.

ICSJ School

1431 N. North Park 

Fall Cooking Classes at Junior Chefs Kitchen

Join Junior Chefs Kitchen this fall for hands-on weekly cooking classes where kids build confidence, independence, and lifelong kitchen skills while exploring cuisines from around the world. Each month features a new country, exciting recipes, nutrition education, and age-appropriate culinary techniques in a fun, welcoming environment designed to inspire adventurous eaters and confident home chefs. Fall Session runs from September 8 - December 20. They offer a variety of classes throughout the day. 

Junior Chefs Kitchen

2448 N. Lincoln

JPA's Junior Board

JPA’s Junior Board is a program for high school students (grades 9 to 12) across Chicagoland who are passionate about youth mental health and making a difference. Members support JPA through advocacy, fundraising, and service opportunities while building leadership skills and connecting with like-minded peers. 

Complete the application form to join!

First Friends at Mary Meyer School

Nurture your baby's earliest friendships and your own! Explore early literacy, language, music, movement, sensory play, and joyful discovery while connecting with trusted educators and experts in child development and family well-being. First Friends helps families build connection, confidence, and community from the very beginning.

Sundays - October - November 2026

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Mary Meyer School

2817 N. Pine Grove

Open House at Merit School of Music - Near North

Music Classes for Babies, Kids, & Teens - turn up the music at Merit School of Music's location in Old Town! Their fun, high-quality music classes for all ages include group instrumental classes and Early Childhood classes. Start building skills, confidence, and friendships through music.

Saturday, August 15

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Merit School of Music - Near North 

458 W. Eugenie

Reading & Writing Support, All Year Long with Redwood Literacy

Redwood Literacy offers year-round small group and one-on-one tutoring in reading and writing, both during the day and after school. Using proven, research-backed methods, their instructors work closely with each student at their own pace, building real skills and confidence one lesson at a time. Year-round. Daytime and Afterschool options available.

Redwood Literacy

2324 N. Clark

Day-Off Camps at The Paintbrush ... a hands-on ART studio for kids (and adults!)

Day-Off ART Camps take place on all CPS school days off, including Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and all individual days.

Click here for a full list of dates.

The Paintbrush

2446 N. Clark

Jumpstart Gym at St. Pauls Little Lights

Start off the morning with play time in their full-sized gym! Parents/Caregivers supervise their children in an open-ended environment. Space and equipment provided.

Thursdays, September 17 - December 17

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

2335 N. Orchard

Stay & Play at St. Pauls Little Lights

You're invited to Stay & Play - a friendly group for parents/caregivers with babies and toddlers to meet and build community together at St. Pauls. They provide the space for you to socialize and play. Bring a friend, make a friend! All are welcome.

Fridays, September 18 -December 18

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

2335 N. Orchard

Parents Jiu-Jitsu Program with Bel Air Academy

Bel Air’s 10-week Parents Jiu-Jitsu Program gives moms and dads the opportunity to learn practical self-defense and the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, welcoming environment. Train alongside other parents, connect with their community, and experience the benefits of martial arts together. No experience, sparring, or belt ranking required.

Bel Air Academy

2657 N. Clybourn

Parents’ Night Out: 2026 Series at Family Room Chicago

Need a date night? Drop off the kids for Parents’ Night Out to enjoy 4 worry-free hours—plus 15% off local dining at Crosby’s, Oak & Honey, Ella Elli, and more - while your kids eat dinner and enjoy an evening of structured play. There is no age minimum. Parents’ Night Out is offered every other Saturday all year long.

Family Room Chicago

3726 N. Southport

Moms' Group at St. Pauls

Moms' Group: Third Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. each month starting in September. Come make new friends, find community, and discuss the joys and challenges of being a mom! Free nursery care available on Sundays. 

Sundays

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Thursdays

9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

St. Pauls

2355 N. Orchard

New Light at Juvenile Protective Association (JPA)

New Light is JPA’s group therapy practice, providing in person and telehealth therapy for children, families, and adults. Their experienced clinicians support individuals and families navigating a wide range of challenges with a commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

JPA

1707 N. Halsted

Evidenced-Based Therapy, Medication and Neuropsych Testing at Light On Anxiety

Light On Anxiety offers practical, evidence-based, and action-oriented mental health solutions for children, teens and adults. They also accept major insurance carriers.

Monday - Friday

8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Light on Anxiety

1901 N. Clybourn, Suite 401

Fall Programming at The Menomonee Club

Menomonee Club offers fencing, basketball, judo, taekwondo, chess, STEM and art classes. Their fall programs begin September 8 and run for 14 weeks. Come have fun at the Menomonee Club!

Menomonee Club

1535 N. Dayton

Child Development and Health at KidStrong Lincoln Park

KidStrong is a kids training program that builds strong, confident, and high-character kids. They do this through 45-minute sessions focused on three pillars of development: physical, cognitive, and character. Book your free trial today! Classes run seven days a week. Click here for weekly class schedule.

KidStrong

2031 N. Clybourn

Youth Sports & Group Outings at Urban Air Adventure Park

A group event with Urban Air is an unforgettable experience. Start planning your field trip with Urban Air. They offer stress-free team parties to end your season with a bang. Looking for a new way to raise money for your non-profit organization? Try their FUNdraiser opportunity for kids and adults. Instead of selling cookies why not sell adventure? Discounts for groups of 20 or more! Year round. 

Urban Air Adventure Park

1801 W. Fullerton

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie at Young People's Theatre of Chicago

Warning: Do not give this Mouse a cookie! Because if you do, you’re in for milk, messes, and wildly entertaining mayhem! YPT kicks off its exciting 5th Anniversary Season with a fast-paced, cookie-fueled celebration of theatrical imagination and joyful bedlam. Bring the entire family for some mouse-sized mischief—and get ready to laugh your whiskers off!

Performances begin Saturday, September 26

Click here for schedule.

Greenhouse Theater Center

2257 N. Lincoln

St. James Lutheran 2026 Block Party (Free)

Join St. James Lutheran School and Church for their free annual block party! Join them at Fremont and Dickens for music, fun, and food! It's all free (really - no suggested donations at the entrances). Family friendly fun includes pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, games, hamburgers, hot dogs, beer and more. Bring items for a food and goods drive with Nourishing Hope!

Sunday, September 13

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

St. James Lutheran School and Church

2050 N. Fremont

Oktoberfest at St. Pauls

It’s Munich meets Chicago as St. Pauls hosts Oktoberfest in celebration of its German heritage! Tap into the excitement of this Bavarian tradition with authentic German food, local Oktoberfest beers, live music and dancing, bounce house and activities for kids. Admission is free. This event is open to the public and family friendly. 

Saturday, September 26

1:00 - 8:00 p.m.

St. Pauls

2335 N. Orchard

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago’s favorite free and family-friendly festival is back at Lincoln Park Zoo! From September through October, stop by the zoo Fridays-Sundays to roast s’mores, watch professional pumpkin carvers, pick your own pumpkin, and catch live music and entertainment as you explore autumn gardens. Plus, look out for fall-themed enrichment for zoo animals and new surprises every weekend!

September 25 - November 1

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo

2400 N. Cannon

Haunted History Tours at Lincoln Park Zoo

Join Adam Selzer - author, podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours - for spine-tingling walkabouts that dig into Lincoln Park Zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly haunted history. These popular tours will sell out quickly, so scare up some tickets for yourself before they disappear!

Click here for schedule. 

Lincoln Park Zoo

2400 N. Cannon

Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo

Hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo's Auxiliary Board, Spooky Zoo offers a free, festive, and accessible experience for Chicago families and children. Spooky Zoo includes spooky chats and learning activities, costume parades, a scavenger hunt, kid-friendly entertainment, free rides on the carousel and other attractions, free trick-or-treating, and more!

Saturday, October 17

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo

2400 N. Cannon

Halloween Party at St. Pauls

Kids and their families are invited for a Halloween-themed Open Gym including crafts, games, bounce house, and spooky treats. Show off your costume and join in the fun! 

Saturday, October 17

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

St. Pauls

2335 N. Orchard

Falloween 2026 at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness

Celebrate the season at Falloween! Enjoy a fun-filled day with giant inflatables, face painting, pony rides, games, and more. This family-friendly event is free and open to both members and non-members. Some premium activities require tickets, which can be purchased at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness. Costumes encouraged!

Sunday October 18

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Lakeshore Sport & Fitness

1320 W. Fullerton

Fall Fest at SPF

Enjoy a festive morning filled with seasonal games, fall-inspired crafts, and delicious food and drink specials. Bring your friends and family to welcome autumn with fun activities, great flavors, and a lively community atmosphere.

Saturday, October 24

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

SPF

2121 N. Clybourn

Open Gym Events at Park West Co-op

Join Park West Co-op for a fun-filled Family Open Gym event at Park West Cooperative Nursery School! This is a great opportunity for families to bond and play together in a safe and welcoming environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to have a blast with your loved ones and meet other local families!

Click here for full schedule.

Park West Cooperative Nursery School

2214 N. Bissell

Free 1-to-1 tutoring for underserved Chicago students, since 1965 with Tutoring Chicago

Tutoring Chicago is the largest after school tutoring program offering consistent long-term pairings of students and volunteers in Chicagoland. Pairs meet once a week for 90 minutes during the school year and no experience or special skills are required. Tutoring Chicago gives volunteers the training, tools, materials and resources to become a great tutor, mentor and role model. Visit tutoringchicago.org/volunteer/ to learn more and apply.

September 2026 - May 2027

Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. 

St. Vincent DePaul Center

2145 N. Halsted