Summer in Lincoln Park is full of opportunities for kids to explore, create, and make new friends. From engaging summer camps and hands-on classes to family-friendly events and neighborhood favorites, this guide highlights ways to keep little ones active, curious, and smiling all season long.

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Educational Therapy at Cognitive Solutions LC

As midterm reports come out, Educational Therapy offers individualized support for students with learning differences who may be struggling in school. Rather than focusing only on homework or short-term performance, Educational Therapy helps identify the barriers affecting learning and uses personalized strategies tailored to each student’s learning profile to build confidence, reduce frustration, and support long-term academic growth.

Cognitive Solutions LC

2419 N. Ashland

Spring and Summer Classes & Tutoring at Fusion Academy Lincoln Park

Make summer count at Fusion Academy Lincoln Park. Their one-to-one classes for credit, tutoring, and enrichment options are fully personalized and offered in person, virtual, or hybrid with flexible scheduling. 4th - 12th grade students can explore new interests, dive deeper into subjects they love, or strengthen skills before the next school year. Ask about their 20% spring and summer discount for classes for credit.

Fusion Academy Lincoln Park

1440 N. Dayton, Suite 104

Activity Boxes for Little Learners (Ages 0–5) at Happy Minds LLC

Keep little ones engaged all spring and summer long! Happy Minds delivers Montessori-inspired monthly activity boxes straight to customers’ doors — packed with hands-on crafts, sensory play, and skill-building activities designed for ages 0 - 5. Everything is ready to set up and enjoy together. Also, shop themed sensory bins, party favors perfect for spring and summer celebrations, and more. Screen-free, parent-approved, and kids love it!

Limited Space Available for the 2026-27 School Year at Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School

Join Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School's part-time, play-based preschool for the 2026-27 school year. Limited spaces are available in their programs that serve children 18 months to 5 years old and their families. Inquire today! Send an email to learn more.

Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School

1753 N. Fern

Discovery Class: Spring Saturday Tots Class at Park West Co-op Preschool

Saturday mornings just got more fun! Families are invited to bring their little one (18 months - 3 years) to Park West Co-op's Spring Tots Class for a morning of joyful discovery alongside a trusted caregiver. Explore their preschool classroom, zoom around their gym space, and wrap up with songs and a story all guided by beloved Park West teachers. Drop-in available.

Saturdays

March 21 - May 9

10:00 - 11:15 a.m.

Park West Co-op Preschool

2214 N. Bissell

Redwood Literacy August Boost

Are you ready to kickstart your child's new school year? Join Redwood Literacy for their August Boost! Sessions include a focus:

Reading & Writing

Monday - Friday

9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

Math 

Monday - Friday

10:15 - 11:30 a.m.

Redwood Literacy

2324 N. Clark

Mini Mavericks at St. James Lutheran School

Mini Mavericks is a free community program for children ages 0 - 4 and their caregivers! It runs every Thursday through the end of May from 8:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. The morning begins with gross motor play on their playground, followed by a craft and storytime together in the library. Families are welcome to join for fun, connection, and learning.

Every Thursday through the end of May

8:45 - 10:15 a.m.

St. James Lutheran School

2101 N. Fremont

St Josaphat School Tour & Coffee at St Josaphat School

Discover the difference at SJS! SJS is a PK3 - 8th grade Catholic elementary school located in the vibrant heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago. As a proud three-time National Blue Ribbon Award recipient, they invite you to join them for a Tour & Coffee. Come see their community in action and learn how they can inspire and support each child’s educational journey. Your child is worth it! 

Friday, April 10

Friday, May 8

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

St. Josaphat School 

2245 N. Southport

Fall 2026 Preschool Openings at Park West Co-op Preschool

Lincoln Park's beloved Park West Co-op is now enrolling for Fall 2026! Half-day, full-day, and Tots programs available on a first-come-first-served basis, so don't wait! Experience Park West in action at their upcoming Family Playdate or weekly daytime tours. They would love to find the perfect fit for your family!

Park West Co-op Preschool

2214 N. Bissell

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

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

April 17 - May 29

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception - St. Joseph School

1431 N. North Park

Little Dolphins Early Learners at Immaculate Conception - St. Joseph School

Enjoy special time with your 20 mo.- 3 yr. old tot in the Little Dolphins Early Learners program! Their 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 parking available.

Tuesdays and Thursdays

April 14 - May 26

9:30 - 11:00 a..m.

Immaculate Conception - St. Joseph School

1431 N. North Park

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

Sign up for coffee and a tour to learn why so many city families love ICSJ 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 their PreK - 8th grade hidden gem of a school, and to RSVP for the tour!

Thursday, April 23

Thursday, May 21

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. 

Immaculate Conception - St. Joseph School

1431 N. North Park

New Light Therapy Clinic at Juvenile Protective Association (JPA)

New Light Therapy Clinic offers compassionate, high-quality counseling for children, teens, and adults, including individual, family, and couples sessions. Their clinicians support clients through life’s challenges with care and understanding and provide welcoming care to all. Located in Lincoln Park, New Light accepts several insurance plans, including Medicaid, and offers in-person and telehealth services.

New Light Therapy Clinic

1707 N. Halsted

KidStrong 

KidStrong is a science-based kids training program that builds strong, confident and high-character kids. Kids walking to age 11 tackle challenges in weekly classes led by certified coaches. Their programming is specially designed by child development experts to improve kids’ emotional, mental and physical skills. The program is built on the Whole Child Philosophy, which focuses on three pillars: Strong Character, Strong Body, and Strong Mind.

KidStrong

2037 N. Clybourn

Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo

Ready, set, EGGS! Spring Egg-Stravaganza has returned to Lincoln Park Zoo, and all are invited to a day of springtime fun. Children ages 1 - 8 can gather colorful eggs, snap photos with the Easter Bunny, dance and clap along to musical entertainment, meet friendly zoo experts, and more. Brunch options available for purchase, including mimosas for the 21+ crowd.

Saturday, April 4

7:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 N. Clark 

Spring Family Playdate at Park West Co-op Preschool

Families are invited to come play! Join Park West Co-op for a Spring Family Playdate: a perfect chance to explore their space and discover what they’re all about! Climb, slide, and play in their gym, enjoy their outdoor classroom, and explore hands-on activities in their classrooms. A wonderful morning of play for the whole family, and a sneak peek into school at Park West!

Sunday, April 12

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

Park West Co-op Preschool

2214 N. Bissell

Parent Night Out at Urban Air Lincoln Park

Let date night be fun for everyone! Kids get adventure while Mom and Dad get a much needed date night.

Click here for details.

Friday, May 8

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

Urban Air Lincoln Park

1801 W. Fullerton

Jumperoo - Toddler Time at Urban Air Lincoln Park

Let ‘em jump, bounce and crawl around the park safely. Jumperoos is only for children 5 & under and their parents. $17.99 for jumperoos on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. until June 3.

Thursdays until June 3

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

Urban Air Lincoln Park

1801 W. Fullerton

Summer Nature Fest at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Explore the Nature Museum inside and out after hours during Summer Nature Fest! Join the museum for an evening of summer fun featuring live animals, nature walks, drop-by scientist tables and so much more! Plus, enjoy local food and live music.

Friday, June 12

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon

Parents Night Out with Junior Chefs Kitchen

The ultimate night off for parents! Kids will enjoy making their own recipe and watch a movie while the parents get a well-deserved evening to relax, knowing your kids are having a blast in a creative, supervised environment. Spots fill quickly, so reserve your child's spot today!

Friday, April 11

5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Junior Chefs Kitchen

2448 N. Lincoln

Family Fun Fur-iday at Lincoln Park Zoo

Grab your “pack” and end your week on the wild side! Family Fun Fur-iday offers kids and their grown-ups a chance to make memories as they share a special summer evening together at Lincoln Park Zoo. This family-friendly after-hours experience at the zoo comes with a live DJ, animal chats, games, and more.

Fridays, June 12 and July 31

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo

2400 N. Cannon 

Zoo Fiesta at Lincoln Park Zoo

Zoo Fiesta is “su fiesta,” and you are invited! Zoo Fiesta is a family-friendly event at Lincoln Park Zoo in celebration of Latine cultures and communities. Enjoy live music performed by a mariachi band, culinary delights, cultural performances and workshops, unlimited rides on the carousel and train, and chats with zoo experts that highlight the biodiversity of Latin America.

Friday, June 26

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 N. Clark

Bugapalooza at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Calling all bug enthusiasts! Join the Nature Museum for their annual celebration of insects! Meet native insects and spiders, nerd out with entomologists while looking up close at critters with the BugScope, try the Bugstacle Course, and more! Perfect for families!

Sunday, August 9

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon

Summer Programs at Francis W. Parker School

Join Francis W. Parker School in June and July for Parker Summers, their traditional day camp for rising JK to 8th graders, as well as for volleyball, basketball and variety sports camps. Their summer programs provide opportunities to make new friends, explore favorite interests, and try new things in an environment that is focused on fun!

Summer Camp at Junior Chefs Kitchen Lincoln Park

This summer, children can dive into the world of cooking, creativity, and adventure at Junior Chefs Kitchen! Each day is packed with excitement: cook & create, give back, field trips, hands-on fun & friendships!

All summer long

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (with extended day offered until 5:00 p.m.)

Junior Chefs Kitchen 

2448 N. Lincoln

Summer Conservation Camp at Lincoln Park Zoo

Head to Lincoln Park Zoo for summer camp, where campers from PreK to rising grade 5 will adventure through the amazing world of animals. Each week campers will explore themes designed to inspire a love of wildlife and ignite curiosity about the natural world. They’ll also spend time with their peers, discover how to overcome challenges, and build empathy for the natural world and one another.

June 8 - August 14

Lincoln Park Zoo

2400 N. Cannon

Summer Splash at Mary Meyer Preschool

Join Summer Splash at Mary Meyer School, a 2-hour, play-based summer program for toddlers (21 - 33 months) and their grown-ups. Featuring art, music, movement, sensory play, and outdoor fun, it’s a joyful introduction to preschool in their Lakeview schoolhouse, their home since 1943. It's more than camp, it’s Mary Meyer School, summer style.

Fridays, June 12, 19, 26 & July 10

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Mary Meyer Preschool

2817 N. Pine Grove

Summer Friday Play Camp at Park West Co-op Preschool

Families are invited for little ones to play, explore, and grow this summer! Park West Co-op's Summer Friday Play Camp brings the full camp experience to younger learners ages 15 months - 4 years! Join their beloved teachers for 7 weeks of hands-on art, music, storytime, and play across their classrooms, gym, and outdoor space along with a trusted caregiver. Join the fun!

Fridays, June 12 - July 31 (no class on July 3)

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. 

Park West Co-op Preschool

2214 N. Bissell

Summer Camp at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Nature Museum Camp immerses children into the wonderful world of nature and science! Campers ages 4 - 9 can join us for 2-week sessions to explore the museum indoors and outdoors, local habitats, and many living things nearby. Camp families can keep the fun going with daily emails, complete with photos and a summary of the day.

June 22 - August 14

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

2430 N. Cannon 

Redwood Literacy Summer Morning Intensive

The Summer Morning Intensive is for students seeking meaningful academic progress over the summer months. This program is offered for 6 weeks and includes daily small-group sessions focused on reading, writing, and math. Before care available 8 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. and after care available 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

June 22 - July 31 (no camp on July 2 and July 3)

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Redwood Literacy

2324 N. Clark

SPF Summer Camp

SPF Summer Camp is back and they’re serving up skill-building, mini tourneys, team challenges, and more to keep your kiddos busy at SPF All Day! Beginner or mini-pro, for ages 6-13. Pickleball, Tennis, Arts & Crafts plus much more!

June

June 22 - 26

June 29 - July 3 

July

July 6 - 10, 13 - 17, 20 - 24, 27 - 31

August

August 3 - 7, 10 - 14

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

SPF

3800 N. Milwaukee

Latin Day and Field Trip Camps at Summer@Latin

Located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast, Summer@Latin offers hands-on educational and recreational activities for children of all ages. From weekly field trips around the city and STEAM activities to sports camps and on-site swim lessons, the program blends engaging learning opportunities with classic summer fun in a safe and welcoming environment.

Day camps (June 8 - July 31)

Academic courses (June 8 - July 2)

Field trip camps (August 3-14)

Latin School of Chicago 

59 W. North

Summer 2026 ART Camp at The Paintbrush 

ARTsy kids ages 4 - 10 will love spending their summer weeks immersed in ART at The Paintbrush. Kids learn by doing. Explore ART through a variety of approaches including drawing, painting, ARTist-inspired projects, weekly tie-dye day and slime day, games and more!

June 1 - 5, 8 - 12 

July 20 - 24 

August 17 - 21

August 31 - September 4

9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The Paintbrush

2446 N. Clark

GUS® Dance Camps

One-of-a-kind camp experience with loving and encouraging teachers! Girls & boys age 5 to 19 take Hip Hop, Jazz, Musical Theater and more plus perform in SHOW! Pick your week now before camps fill up. 

Click here for more information.

Summer Storylites: Moana JR at Young People's Theatre of Chicago

YPT’s Summer Storylites is a foundational program where students aged 6 - 10 have the opportunity to develop confidence in their performance skills while exploring the fun of theatre. Storylites will dive into introductory acting, singing, and dancing technique with a focus on games/play before applying their newfound skills to a fully produced show in YPT’s Downstairs MainStage Theatre. This year’s production is Moana JR.

June 29 - July 24

9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Young People’s Theatre of Chicago

2257 N. Lincoln

School's-Out Conservatory: Hadestown: Teen Edition at Young People's Theatre of Chicago

The YPT School’s Out Conservatory is an advanced program for students aged 11+ looking to take their performance skills to the next level. Conservatory members will explore daily acting, singing, and dancing masterclasses before applying their elevated skills to a fully produced show in YPT’s Upstairs MainStage Theatre. This year’s production is Hadestown.

June 29 - July 24

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Young People’s Theatre of Chicago

2257 N. Lincoln

Blue & Gold Fundraising Gala with Lincoln Park High School

Join Lincoln Park High School for one of the hottest parties of the year - the Blue & Gold Fundraising Gala! Join them at Mary Jo McGuire’s to raise funds for the neighborhood's local high school. Lincoln Park High School is a Chicago neighborhood and magnet school for drama, music, and visual arts, as well as an IB school.

Saturday, April 25

6:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Mary Jo McGuire’s

2251 N. Lincoln

All In for Kids Spring Benefit at Juvenile Protective Association

JPA’s All In for Kids Spring Benefit is an annual fundraiser that brings together more than 250 supporters for an evening of dinner, dancing, cocktails, and exclusive auction packages. Join them as they celebrate 125 years of impact and highlight their ongoing work to provide mental health resources directly to children in need and the adults who support them.

Friday, May 8

6:30 p.m.

The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

120 E. Delaware

Become a Tutor and Mentor at Tutoring Chicago

Volunteers work one-to-one with a 1st - 12th grade student on a weekly basis during the school year. Tutors and mentors will focus on academic support, mentorship activities, social-emotional learning, and the importance of accountability. Volunteers share which program, grade level, evening, method and location they prefer. No prior experience or special skills are necessary. Orientation and training are provided to all volunteers. This is a recurring weekly opportunity.

Once a week on either Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 

In-person or remotely

2145 N. Halsted

Learn, Explore, and Play at Lincoln Park Zoo 

Join Lincoln Park Zoo for a morning of exploring the natural world through play. Children ages 2 - 4 with their caregivers guide the way as they choose whether to dig in the dirt, manipulate loose parts, create a collaborative work of art, or settle in with a story. Learn and grow as you play alongside a wondrous world of animals!

March 14 - May 14 

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo

2400 N. Cannon