33 things to do with little ones this spring

Longer, lighter days this season make it easier to fit more into each and every one. 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 this spring! 

Activities

1. Getting ready for kindergarten? Check out this librarian-curated list of digital apps for kindergarten readiness and kindergarten info for 2025-26. 
2. Prepping for preschool? Prescreening is happening now for Free Preschool (beginning this fall). 
3. Friday mornings, drop in at the Main Library and discover what’s set out for open play: LEGOS, Barbie and Ken, or blocks.
4. Check out museum and attraction passes for fun spring adventures.
5. Grown-ups, be kind to yourself!
6. What is early literacy? Learn how you can support your child’s fun and development in just a few steps. 
7. Looking for ways to help your child self-regulate? This video 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! Browse resources like Hellosaurus, Kids’ Books in Action, or Cuentos para niños en espanol.
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 into 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 Sesame Street, watch videos that animate books, or listen to books being read to you!
12. Illinois is having local elections on April 1. Talk about what voting is with your kids while you research candidates and go to your polling place. Here’s why local elections matter for early childhood, and here’s what the candidates shared about early childhood care and education.

Storytimes

13. This spring, find storytimes at all three library locations every week through May 24, and library storytimes return to the parks around town the week of June 9. Check the library’s storytime schedule to stay up to date!
14. Register for free Wednesday morning storytimes at the Oak Park Conservatory through August. The first Wednesday of the month is bilingual!
15. Every Thursday at 6:30 pm, the library hosts Supported Storytimes for kids ages 3+ with disabilities, support needs, or who feel uncomfortable in big groups. Families can stay to play after!
16. The We Love Bees! Spring Storytime and Craft on March 25 is going to bee a blast! This program is best for kids ages 4-8 with a caregiver, and space is limited.
17. Cuenta Cuentos con Kathy/Spanish Storytime With Kathy is muy divertido for kids ages 3-6 with their caregiver. Come sing and dance with her on Friday mornings in May.

Events

18. March 24: Let’s make music! Kids ages 3-11 can make their own instruments with upcycled materials.
19. March 26: The library is so excited to welcome back Alina and Hamlet for their joyous and inclusive Being Bilingual Rocks! concert. 
20. March 28: Calling all Moana fans! Join us for a screening of Moana 2—and we understand if you have to sing along. 
21. Visit the Oak Park Conservatory for monthly Toddler Exploration Times. 
22. April  5: The Baby Expo and Community Screening Day will be happening at the same time and same place and will include raffle prizes and giveaways! Come for one or both events. 
23. April 10 (English) and May 2 (Spanish): In the Caregiver Workshop Series, you’ll learn to be consistent with your caregiving strategies and gain confidence as a parent/caregiver!
24. April 5-11: We’re celebrating Week of the Young Child with three exciting classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Join us Tuesday for Fabulous Fruits!, Wednesday for Work Together Wednesday, and Thursday for Baby & Toddler Art Exploration. Want more fun? Check out what community partners are offering, too.
25. April 12-13: Spring Fest at Brookfield Zoo! Celebrate the arrival of spring with the zoo’s first-ever Spring Fest! Request a museum pass from the library!
26. April 19: The Park District is holding an Egg Dash and Scramble.
27. April 22: Celebrate Earth Day by making crafts with upcycled materials.
28. April 26: Learn about and celebrate the many cultures that make up the fabric of Oak Park at this year’s Multicultural Festival! Enjoy stage performances, activities, food, and fun.
29. April 27: 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.
30. April 30: Join Miss Shelley (a neurodivergent librarian) for an in-person and virtual caregiver workshop on Understanding ADHD and Autism. All registrants will receive a recording of the presentation, so sign up even if you can’t make it that day.
31. May 4: Join the Collaboration for Early Childhood for the May New Neighbor Playdate, a fun and welcoming networking and play event where families—especially those new to the area—can connect and play together.
32. May 18: All rising kindergarteners and their families are invited to Blast Off to Kindergarten, a community-wide kindergarten readiness event that celebrates this exciting transition! 
33. And, of course, summer reading starts June 1! We can’t wait to level up fun with you all.