CNE - Childcare Network of Evanston

Free Summer Meals:
Free summer meals are back at the McGaw YMCA! This summer, the Y is doing its part to ensure every Evanston kid has access to healthy meals — FREE for all youth 18 & under.
📍Butler Park (June 8-July 24):
Monday-Friday
Lunch: 11:30AM-1:00PM
📍 Outside the YMCA at Grove and Maple (June 8-Aug 14)
Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 8:30-9:30AM
Lunch: 11:30AM -1:00PM
Snack: 2:30-3:30PM

Winnetka Farmers Market
June 6, 2026 - October 31, 2026 7:30 AM -12:30 PM
Winnetka Metra Train Station
754 Elm St., Winnetka, IL 60093

Saturdays Rain or Shine! Bring home some of the most luscious, fresh- picked fruits and vegetables your family has ever tasted. You will also find beautiful blooming plants, shrubs, cut flowers, cheeses, a variety of delicious baked goods, and wonderful specialty items.

In the Loop Theater Performance at NU - Saturday, 6/6 9:30 a.m.: https://ci.ovationtix.com/1771/production/1273351
IN THE LOOP is a new Theater for the Very Young workshop production inspired by Chicago’s trains and buses.
Suggested for ages 2-5
Running time is estimated at 45 minutes, no intermission

Niles Township Food Pantry Fun Run Saturday, June 6: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/116096/niles-township-food-pantry-fun-run-2026

Shimmering Summer - Giant Bubbles & Music
June 6, 2026 - June 7, 2026 11am - 3pm
Chicago Botanic Garden - Festival Field
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, IL 60022
A family-friendly DJ and “fun director” leads dancing and interactive activities surrounded by larger-than-life bubbles.
Free Admission

Wilmette's Sound of Summer
June 4, 2026 - September 27, 2026 Various
Village Hall Green and other locations
1200 Wilmette Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091
Bring a lawn chair and takeout from your favorite Wilmette restaurant and sit on the front lawn at Village Hall to enjoy the ‘Music on the Green’ summer concert series. Feel the beat of summer! June, July, August & September 2026, we’re bringing the bands together to give you all your FREE Wilmette outdoor concerts in one combined series! Still held at your favorite parks and downtown hangouts.


Free Admission

Great training program opportunity!

We currently have seven spots left for this remarkable opportunity! If you know a young person age 16-25 who wants to start a culinary career, please pass this along.

Email our friendly program coordinator Aziz at [email protected] for more information.

(In case you missed it, this program is 100% free for eligible young people, including tuition, classroom equipment and materials, and transportation support in the form of Ventra cards!)

Free summer meals are back at the McGaw YMCA! This summer, the Y is doing its part to ensure every Evanston kid has access to healthy meals — FREE for all youth 18 & under.

📍Butler Park (June 8-July 24):
Monday-Friday
Lunch: 11:30AM-1:00PM

📍 Outside the YMCA at Grove and Maple (June 8-Aug 14)
Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 8:30-9:30AM
Lunch: 11:30AM -1:00PM
Snack: 2:30-3:30PM

Learn more: https://www.mcgawymca.org/news/2026/06/free-summer-meals/

Skokie Residents - does your child need health services for school registration? The Village’s Health and Human Services Department is partnering with Advocate Ronald McDonald Mobile Unit and Miles of Smiles, Ltd. to host the Skokie Health Fair on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St. This event is for students entering kindergarten, 2nd grade, 6th grade or 9th grade who need required physicals, vaccinations or dental exams to meet school registration requirements. Plan ahead: Appointments are required for some services and exams. Learn more here: https://www.skokie.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/1278

Thank you Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for this information! Lots of ways to keep bellies full this summer!