33 things to do with little ones this spring

Signs of spring are here and your public library, in partnership with the Collaboration for Early Childhood, has put together a collection of activities, events, and resources for you and your little ones. Here’s to exploring, learning, and playing in these longer, warmer days!

Activities

1. Celebrate Women’s History Month with books, movies, and more—curated by your public librarians.
2. Getting ready for kindergarten? Check out this librarian-curated list of digital apps for kindergarten readiness and kindergarten info for 2026-27.
3. Prepping for preschool? Prescreening is happening now for Free Preschool (beginning this fall). 
4. Check out museum and cultural passes for fun spring adventures.
5. What is early literacy? Learn how you can support your child’s fun and development in just a few steps. 
6. For kids, play isn’t just fun, it’s learning. Make sure kids get plenty of unstructured, child-led play times so their brains and bodies grow. This video provides examples of the skills that connect to various activities.
7. Self-regulation is a skill that needs to be explicitly taught, not just modeled! Check out this video for ten ways to co-regulate with kids, then watch this video that highlights a wonderful book about a little kid and her co-regulating mom, Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down. It’s one of Miss Shelley’s favorites, and the sequel is even better!
8. BingePass on Hoopla offers a huge amount of content that you can check out for seven days—and it only counts as one checkout! Enjoy resources like Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Pokémon, or Spanish eBooks for Kids.
9. It’s hard to add new things to routines, but habit stacking makes it easier. Try it as a way to include more books and stories in your day, without getting overwhelmed.
10. It’s spring! Looking for songs, activities, and nature play to celebrate? Explore our video collection for plenty of ideas, plus book recommendations.
11. Did you know that there’s a special section of Kanopy just for kids? Watch great content from trusted favorites like PBS, watch videos that animate books, or listen to books being read to you!

Storytimes

12. This spring, find storytimes at all three library locations every week through May 23, plus library storytimes will return to parks around town the week of June 8. Check the library’s storytime schedule to stay up to date!
13. Register for free Wednesday morning storytimes at the Oak Park Conservatory through May. The first Wednesday of the month is bilingual!
14. Every Tuesday at 4 pm, the library hosts Supported Storytimes for kids 3+ with disabilities, support needs, or who feel uncomfortable in big groups. 
15. Love music? Attendees will have the opportunity to play games and try out a real violin at the Meet a Violin Concert & Storytime on April 1.
16. Hop into Spring on March 31 with stories, songs, and a cool craft. This program is best for kids at least 4 years old with a caregiver, and space is limited.
17. Cuenta Cuentos con Kathy/Spanish Storytime With Kathy is muy divertido for kids ages 3-6, accompanied by their caregiver. Come sing and dance with her on several Friday mornings through May. 

Events

18. Starts March 25: Sign up now for caregiver workshops facilitated in Spanish only. Meet other parents and caregivers raising young children, be consistent with your caregiving strategies, and gain confidence as a parent/caregiver. Free for parents/caregivers of children ages 2-5. Sessions take place every other Wednesday for four weeks.
19. March 30-April 2: Ready for spring break? The library will host Little Miss Ann in concert on March 30, set up hours of play with Barbie & Ken on March 31, and set out LEGOs on April 2. Love trains? Visit the Dole Branch on April 2 for our Wooden Train Open Play.
20. April 4: Register for the Park District’s free Family Egg Scramble–and don’t forget the Doggie one, too!
21. April 11: Visit the Village of Oak Park website to find details about its Holi event.
22. April 11: Take an active listening to transform relationships workshop. Child care and breakfast provided. 
23. April 11-15: We’re celebrating Week of the Young Child with three exciting classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Join us April 11 for Open Play, April 14 for a Baby Massage Demonstration, and April 15 for a Work Together Storytime. Want more fun? Check out what community partners are offering, too.
24. Starts April 17: Visit the Oak Park Conservatory for monthly Toddler Exploration Times (located under “Oak Park Conservatory Reg Start 3/7” and “Free Children’s Programs”).
25. April 18: The Baby Expo is for all new and expecting families and will include a resource fair, car seat safety demonstrations, giveaways, and a schedule of short workshops. 
26. April 19: Dana Nitzoy, MOT, OTR/L, will present on feeding concerns and how they can mask as behavioral quirks or school-time struggles.
27. April 20: Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with a screening of two Carl the Collector episodes! This event is in partnership with Forest Park Public Library.
28. April 22: Join us for fun and hands-on Earth Day activities that promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and connection to nature.
29. April 24: Plant trees and do crafts to celebrate Arbor Day with the Park District.
30. April 25: Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month with the Village of Oak Park.
31. April 26: Visit the Oak Park Conservatory for KidsFest, with activities from Trailside Museum, the University of Illinois Extension, Brookfield Zoo, and raptors from the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab and Education.
32. May 17: All rising kindergarteners and their families are invited to Blast Off to Kindergarten, a community-wide kindergarten-readiness event celebrating this exciting transition! 
33. And, of course, summer reading starts June 1! We can’t wait to plant a seed of fun with you all.