Cool Chicago Story Times Worth Bookmarking

Volumes Bookcafe is Wicker Park's neighborhood independent bookstore cafe. With heavily curated shelves of books, and a tasty menu of baked goods, quality espresso drinks, and pastries. They aim to create a warm and inviting community space for book lovers of all ages. Ms Kimberly is one of the owners of Volumes Bookcafe and a former preschool teacher. Kiddos can enjoy storytime twice a week where she reads books, sings songs, and offers crafts or coloring sheets. 

 Little Squirrel Story Times are offered at the American Writers Museum on museum free days at 11:30 a.m. Museum free days are offered on the third Sunday of every month.

During story time in the Exploritorium, your little ones can enjoy books, songs, and more. Each month, you'll explore new stories, revisit some beloved classics, and sing along to familiar nursery rhymes to spark imagination and foster a love of reading.

Small Serendipity at River Trail Nature Center features nature stories, crafts and activities. 

Wee Wandering Wednesdays is a special program for little naturalists at Crabtree Nature Center. Limited tickets available. 

Drop in for story time at The Paintbrush followed by an art project themed off of that day's story! This is a great chance to help you children draw connections to the actual story and relate their art project to what they heard. The Paintbrush is a popular art studio for kids that offers drop-in art classes, workshops, birthday parties and more. Pre-registration required.

Lisa R said:  Scuola Italiana Enrico Fermi, Chicago's first Italian American International School, hosts special dual language story times throughout the year. Classes are taught by the animated Maestro Francesca and held at various locations in Chicago like The Red Balloon (Bucktown flagship location) and Little Adventures Play Place. See Facebook page for details.

Molly Weber said:  My daughter loves story time but not as much as she loves being outside. This event combines those two things, allowing children to soak up the beautiful summer weather while enjoying an entertaining story! This event is weather permitting.

Lisa R said:  This story telling trio and jazz chamber ensemble delivers one of the most unique and engaging story times in Chicago that will have both parents and toddlers at the edge of their seats. Each themed story times consists of original works and favorite books rhythmically recited with musical accompaniment. This "storytelling chamber band" performs at locations throughout Chicagoland.

Lisa R said:  This teaching museum at Northwestern University is full of thought provoking pieces that are full of stories. Story times here encourage to look more deeply at pieces housed in the museum by introducing new concepts through stories and interactive family activities. Registration required.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Spend an afternoon with your child out in nature and listening to stories at Lake Katherine Nature Center's story time! Be sure to come early so you can explore the nature center with your little one.

Phillip Gross said:  Fun interactive story times. They host a few combined with art classes.

Shila said:   Dedicated to the art of poetry, the Poetry Foundation houses a 30,000-volume poetry library, an exhibition gallery, hosts public events, supports field trips, and more! Poemtime is an event for young children that promotes literacy through fun, interactive readings and themed crafts.

Join a librarian from the St. Charles Public Library for read-aloud stories, finger plays, songs, and more during this fun program for children from infancy through age 5. If the weather is mild, they'll take the activities outdoors! Stay and enjoy the interactive exhibits in the Nature Center following the program.