Spring & Summer Activities in Lincoln Park
There are so many ways to enjoy the Lincoln Park area with your children this spring and summer. From playful early childhood programs and neighborhood festivals to enriching camps in the arts, science, and sports, families will find plenty of opportunities to explore, create, and connect.
Below includes several offerings hosted by St. James Lutheran School, along with a wide range of programs from local community partners!
Early Childhood & Community at St. James
Mini Mavericks (Now through May 28)
Mini Mavericks is a fun, interactive weekly program for young children and their caregivers, held Thursdays from 8:45–10:15 AM. It’s designed to encourage play, early learning, and connection among families in a warm, welcoming setting. Sessions take place on the playground and in the library here at St. James (2101 N. Fremont St.).
Lincoln Park Kidical Mass - Monthly Bike Ride
Join us for Lincoln Park Kidical Mass, a free monthly family bike ride designed to help kids feel confident, comfortable, and excited about biking in their neighborhood! Families of all ages and riding abilities are welcome. Our first ride is this Saturday, May 9, starting at Oz Park, and this month’s destination is Sunshine Playground. We’d love to see St. James families there as we explore the city together, build community, and enjoy a fun morning on bikes!
Old Town Art Fair - Children’s Corner (June 13–14)
St. James will be hosting a booth at this classic Chicago summer event that features hundreds of artists, live music, and a dedicated children’s area. The Children’s Corner will feature Sean Masterson Magic Show, Mary Macaroni and the Impastas, Stages Chicago Children’s Theater, and more!
Vacation Bible School (June 16-17)
Vacation Bible School is back for 2026! This year, we’re adjusting due to the exciting renovations taking place at the church. So VBS will be held in the school building with an abridged schedule.
Tuesday, June 16 - Grades K-3 only
Wednesday, June 17 - Grades 4-6 only
Kids entering grades 7-12 are encouraged to sign up as junior counselors.
Little Book Club Camps - Hosted at St. James
KinderCamp: A Kindergarten Readiness and Reading Camp by Little Book Club
This engaging summer camp, offered by Connections Academics, introduces early literacy skills through a fun, multi-sensory approach. Designed especially for incoming kindergartners, the program uses structured, research-based reading instruction while keeping learning interactive and enjoyable for young children.
- Ages: Pre-K – Kindergarten
- Dates: July 27 – August 7, 2026 (Monday–Friday, 10 total classes)
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: 2101 N. Fremont St., Basement, Chicago, IL 60614
- Instructor: Anna T.
- Discount: Sibling discount available
Reading Enrichment Camp (Rising 1st through 3rd Grade) by Little Book Club
Reading Enrichment Camp will use a multi-sensory and systematic approach to Reading instruction to provide literacy exposure to elementary aged students in a fun and engaging way. Each day, students will have a Book of the Day with a literacy lesson and craft following. Students will experience interactive lessons using a phonics-based, multi-sensory approach, which is a research backed method of reading instruction.
- Ages: 1-3rd Grades
- Dates: July 13 – July 31, 2026 (Monday–Friday, 10 total classes)
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: 2101 N. Fremont St., Basement, Chicago, IL 60614
- Instructor: Anna T.
- Discount: Sibling discount available
Fusion Academy Lincoln Park
Fusion Academy Lincoln Park is offering spring and summer tutoring, classes for credit, and enrichment opportunities for students in grades 4–12, with flexible in-person and virtual scheduling options.
1440 N. Dayton, Suite 104
Sheffield Garden Walk Family Fest (July 18, 10 AM–1 PM)
Part of the larger Sheffield Garden Walk, this family-focused event includes kid-friendly activities, entertainment, and a chance to explore one of the neighborhood’s most beautiful traditions. Family Fest will take place on the blacktop at Oscar Mayer Magnet School (2250 N Clifton) and will include crafts, games, face painting, cotton candy, music, and more. Admission is $12 per family at the door.
Camps: Arts, Creativity & Performance
The Paintbrush – Summer Art Camp (Ages 4–10)
Located at 2446 N. Clark St., The Paintbrush offers week-long art camps packed with hands-on creativity. Camp runs Monday–Friday from 9:30 AM–3:00 PM, with sessions on:
- June 8–12
- June 29–30 (pop-up days)
- July 20–24
- August 17–21
- August 31–September 4
Activities include tie-dye, slime-making, collaborative art, and a Friday popsicle party. Tuition includes a camp t-shirt and tote bag.
Creative Root at The Theatre School at DePaul University
Creative Root offers engaging summer camps in theater and creative expression. In addition, families can attend the children’s production
Mirror of Most Value: A Ms. Marvel Play (May 14–30), performed at the Merle Reskin Theatre—an exciting introduction to live performance for kids.
Junior Chefs Kitchen – Summer Camp Experience (June 8-Sept 4)
This hands-on cooking camp blends culinary skills with creativity and community engagement.
Tutu School – Ballet Camps
Tutu School’s whimsical summer camps invite children into the world of ballet through storytelling and imaginative play. Campers might take a ballet class, decorate costumes, and learn the stories of famous ballets like
Swan Lake,
Cinderella, and
The Nutcracker, often ending with their own mini performance. There are a wide range of camp dates throughout the summer.
https://tutuschool.com/roscoe/camp/
https://tutuschool.com/lincolnpark/camp/
Camps: Nature, Science & Exploration
Fred’s camp
Fred’s Camp programs are separated into three different age groups with age-appropriate creative and stimulating activities that enable our campers to develop their physical coordination, awareness of themselves as group members, self-esteem and sensitivity to their environment. Fred’s Camp traditions have delighted campers since 1994: Theme Days, Carnival, Color War, Sports Clinics, Olympics, Scavenger Hunts, The Quest, Game-Shows, Cup Challenges…and much more.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Summer Camps (Ages 4–7)
These hands-on camps immerse children in nature and science through exploration and play. Sessions include:
- June 22–July 3: Nature’s Neighbors (ages 4–5) and Habitat Explorers (ages 6–7)
- July 6–17: City Critters (ages 4–5) and Nature Detectives (ages 6–7)
Lincoln Park Zoo – Camps & Family Events
The zoo offers Summer Conservation Camp (with limited availability, including for rising Pre-K students), along with special June events like Family Fun Fur-idays and Zoo Fiesta coming up in June.
Camps: Sports, Academics & Enrichment
Lakeshore Sport and Fitness Summer Camps
Camp Lakeshore in the neighborhood!
Camp Lakeshore offers an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, creativity, and connection for campers of all ages. We offer weekly and daily camp options. Each week brings a new themed experience, where campers rotate through engaging activities like swimming, sports, crafts, and outdoor adventures, all led by an energetic and experienced staff. With exciting field trips, daily swim time, and special “Camptivities” designed around each theme, every day is packed with fun and discovery. Our all-inclusive program also provides nutritious lunches and snacks, ensuring campers stay fueled and ready for action. Whether your child is building confidence, making new friends, or trying something new, Camp Lakeshore is the perfect place to learn, grow, and create lasting summer memories.
Register for camp here!
Camp@LakeshoreSF.com.
SpringFest at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness on May 17th from 2-4pm!
Celebrate the start of warmer temps at Spring Fest! Join us for an afternoon filled with energy, sunshine, and activities for all ages as we welcome the return of outdoor fun together. Families can enjoy classic carnival games, test their skills in the Joust Pit, climb and slide on the inflatable, or take their shot at axe throwing. Enjoy the day and bring friends! Food, drinks, music, and more!
Register your family here or email Membership@LakeshoreSF.com.
Menomonee Club for Boys and Girls
The Menomonee Club hosts a wide range of summer camp options for children of varying ages and interests. Their programs are designed to provide a balance of structured activities, creative exploration, and active play, all within a strong community setting. Families can choose from multiple camp themes and schedules to fit their summer plans.
NFL Alumni Youth Football Camps (Ages 6–14)
This summer NFL Alumni Youth Football Camps will host a 5-day, summer camp for boys & girls at various Chicagoland locations. This safe, non-contact football camp is led by Pro Coaches with NFL Alumni Bears. It focuses on skill development, confidence, game understanding, and fun for newcomers as well as experienced flag and tackle athletes.
Website Dates, details, and registration: www.AlumniCamps.com
Families may use code CHISCHOOL15 at checkout for a small tuition courtesy.
Steve & Kate’s Camp – Self-Directed Summer Experience
Steve & Kate’s Camp offers a unique, self-directed camp model where children choose their own activities throughout the day. Options often include sewing, coding, sports, baking, filmmaking, and more. Families purchase flexible day passes rather than committing to specific weeks, allowing for maximum flexibility and child-led exploration all summer long.
Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University
Well-known for its academic enrichment programs, CTD offers summer courses for advanced learners across a wide range of subjects.
Brain club team Summer Camp
BrAIn Club brings your children two cutting-edge, high-energy programs designed to build technical skills and mental focus. Camps focus on active building, strategic thinking, and healthy technology habits (plus - a lot of active time outdoors!). Camps will be held at Daystar Academy (1550 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605).
From neighborhood festivals to hands-on camps and early childhood programs, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your family’s spring and summer with meaningful experiences in and around LP!
