CHICAGO— Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Department of Family and Support Services, and Chicago Early Learning are celebrating America 250 with the second-ever “Chicago’s Largest Playdate” event, taking place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Humboldt Park.
The free playdate is a citywide celebration bringing together children ages three to five and their families.
The event is sold out—as was the City’s first Playdate event held on April 10 at Maggie Daley Park, which rapidly reached its RSVP cap of 1,000 attendees.
Registration for the America 250 Playdate also quickly reached capacity at 1,250 RSVPs.
“After seeing the incredible turnout at Chicago’s first Playdate in April, we knew we had to scale it up,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “As we mark America’s 250th birthday, we’re coming together again to spread joy, strengthen community, and support our youngest residents and their families.
I’m grateful to the volunteers and partners helping make this event possible.”
The Play America 250 theme will honor our nation's history, culture, and communities through interactive activities that encourage family engagement and intergenerational connections between children and senior volunteers.
Participating children will have the opportunity to enjoy activities spanning arts and crafts, games, coloring, storybook readings and more.
Resource tables for families will also be available.
In addition, representatives from Chicago Early Learning will be on-site to assist parents in planning and registering for pre-school in the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
“DFSS is thrilled to welcome children and families from across Chicago to our second City's Largest Play Date celebrating America's 250,” saidDFSS Commissioner Angela Green. “The City's Largest Play Date reflects the very best of Chicago—bringing families together through the joy of play, strengthening community, and celebrating childhood.
As we commemorate America's 250th, we are also celebrating the next generation who will shape our nation's future.”
The Playdate will once again bring together the DFSS Children's Services Division, Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the Austin Childcare Providers Network, Illinois Action for Children, the 26th Ward, early childhood community-based organizations, and a host of other family service partners.
Home Run Inn is also generously partnering to provide grab-and-go pizza slices, cookies and bottled water toward the end of the event.
Additional food options for children will also be available.
Event Schedule:
10:00 to 10:30 a.m. – Registration
10:00 to 10:30 a.m. – Registration
10:30 to 10:50 a.m. – Welcome Program featuring Alderperson Jessie Fuentes and Mayor Brandon Johnson, followed by raffle giveaways
10:30 to 10:50 a.m. – Welcome Program featuring Alderperson Jessie Fuentes and Mayor Brandon Johnson, followed by raffle giveaways
10:50 to 11:30 a.m. – Interactive Storytime for Families
10:50 to 11:30 a.m. – Interactive Storytime for Families
11:30 to 12 p.m. – Dance Party
11:30 to 12 p.m. – Dance Party
12:00 to 12:30 p.m. – Playdate Parade
12:00 to 12:30 p.m. – Playdate Parade
12:30 to 1 p.m. – Lunch Pick Up + Event Wrap Up, with Grab-and-Go Lunches courtesy of Home Run Inn
12:30 to 1 p.m. – Lunch Pick Up + Event Wrap Up, with Grab-and-Go Lunches courtesy of Home Run Inn
All-day Activities, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
Craft Stations
Craft Stations
Photobooth
Photobooth
Little Artists Mural
Little Artists Mural
Resource Tables
Resource Tables
Quiet Time Cove
Quiet Time Cove
200 free CTA passes will be given out to participating families, ensuring Chicagoans from across the city can enjoy the festivities.
For more information, please visit the Chicago’s Largest Playdatewebsite.