Chicago's Best Summer Story Hours

Every day, somewhere in Chicago, there's a free story hour taking place! Check out some of the free story hours taking place this summer in Chicago and the suburbs. This list includes some of our favorites, and you can find more by visiting the ChicagoKids.com Calendar of Events.

Summer Storytime with Emerald City Theatre at Open Books Store
Second Saturdays at 11:00am
213 W. Institute Pl., Chicago
This story hour takes place on the second Saturday of every month this summer, with read-aloud stories, crafts, and drama games with artists from Emerald City Theatre. Free. For ages 3-5.

Story Time at Lincoln Park Zoo
Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:15 and 10:00am
2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago
Story Time at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Farm-in-the-Zoo delights young audiences with silly songs and tall tales. Join Mr. Singer as he performs original songs while the wee ones dance and sing along. For ages 6 and under. Through September 9. Free.

Stories To Grow On Story Time for Kids at Flourish Studios
Wednesdays at 10:30am and 4:30pm
3020 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Featuring a reading circle with fun stories, songs and social time with other children all set in our beautiful space.

Story Hour at The Bookmarket at Hangar One
First Thursdays at 10:30am
The Glen - 2651 Navy Blvd., Glenview
Storyteller Nili Yelin is one of Chicago's favorite storytellers, and the first Thursday of every month she tells stories at the Boormarket at Hangar One. Best for ages 2-6.

Storytime at Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor
Tuesdays at 11am
7347 W. Madison Street, Forest Park
Ms. Tracy (and her story telling glasses) has been studying improv and acting for the past six years. She tells stories at Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor every Tuesday at 11am.

Storytime at Women & Children First
Wednesdays at 10:30am
5233 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Store co-owner Linda Bubon reads and performs 5 or more stories for a room full of fabulous children. There's singing, dancing, and silliness every Wednesday morning in the store. It's free and featured for ages 2-5.

Garden Story Time at Morton Arboretum
Fridays at 11:00am
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Bring the kids and gather around for "Garden Story Time." Enjoy a different fun, nature-themed story every week. Takes place in the Children’s Garden on Fridays through October. Included with regular admission.

Kraft Story Time at The Field Museum of Natural History
Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30am and 1:30pm
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago
Take a seat in the Crown Family PlayLab to hear a story and make an art project--all in 20 minutes. Included with regular admission. Best for ages 2-6.

Visit the ChicagoKids.com Calendar of Events to find more story hours and other events.