Free things to do this weekend in and around Chicago

Chicago's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, May 1, 2026 to Sunday, May 3, 2026.

(Scroll down for full, detailed list of free weekend activities.)

• Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Chicago - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, 05/01/2026 - 05/03/2026, See link for times
• WPB First Friday in May - Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, Chicago, IL, 05/01/2026, 6 pm - 8 pm
• Early Bird Walks at NPV - North Park Village Nature Center Park, 5801 North Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL, 05/02/2026, 8 - 10 am
• Art in Wilder Park - Wilder Park, South Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, IL, 05/02/2026 - 05/03/2026, 10 am - 5 pm
• Mythical Forest Series: Toadstools at Little Red School House Nature Center - Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480, 05/02/2026, 10:30 am
• Flea Market Frenzy at Oakton Community Center - Oakton Community Center, Oakton Street, Skokie, IL, 05/02/2026, 9 am - 4 pm
• Puzzle Exchange at Jefferson Memorial Park - Jefferson (Thomas) Memorial Park, North Long Avenue, Chicago, IL, 05/03/2026, 12 - 3 pm
• Insect Inspired Innovations at Little Red School House Nature Center - Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Rd, Willow Springs, IL 60480, 05/03/2026, 1:30 pm
• Skokie S'Mores Walk 2026 at Emily Oaks Nature Center - Emily Oaks Nature Center, Brummel Street, Skokie, IL, 05/03/2026, 9 - 11 am
• Bike Safety Day at Oakton! at Oakton Community Center - Oakton Community Center, Oakton Street, Skokie, IL, 05/03/2026, 11 am - 1:30 pm