Summer Support
for Parents

Whether you’re a working family or a stay-at-home parent, summer comes with more meals to prepare and activities to coordinate.  On this page, you’ll find resources to support your family’s daily life.

Food & Nutrition

Finding the time and money for extra meals can be a strain on any parent’s summer. Check out these supportive resources to help keep kids healthy and fed.

Breakfast & lunch options

Free meals are available for kids and teens through age  18 every day. Use the resources below to find sites near your home.

LEARN MORE

SEARCH FOR MEALS BY CPS SCHOOL

WIC & nutrition for families

Women Infant Children (WIC) is a federal program offered through CDPH that provides pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, and children and infants, with nutrition assistance

LEARN MORE

Healthy summer cooking

Summer is a great time to cook together at home! Get resources for healthy meal planning and gain new cooking skills.

LEARN MORE

TIP FOR PARENTS

SNAP families can access free Head Start and Early Head Start classes!

Daytime In-Person Programs

Keep your kids busy and entertained all summer long. The City of Chicago and various organizations offer free and affordable options to fit any age or interest.

Day camps & city programs

Free and low-cost programs are available for kids and teens of all ages throughout the city. Check out available onsite camps and programs near you.

LEARN MORE

Daycare assistance

The IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps income-eligible parents pay for childcare while they work or go to school.

LEARN MORE

Chicago Early Learning

It’s never too soon to start school! High-quality early education is available for every child from prenatal through age 5 in every Chicago neighborhood.

LEARN MORE

Education & Reading Activities

It’s easy for learning to fall off during the summer. Help your kids and teens prepare for the fall with fun education and reading programs.

CPS summer programs

Summer programs support continued learning, growth, and achievement for all students. Check out all the options to find a program that’s right for your learner.Summer programs support continued learning, growth, and achievement for all students. Check out all the options to find a program that’s right for your learner.

CPS’ summer book club for Pre-k through 2nd grade

LEARN MORE

CPS summer learning programs

LEARN MORE

Library programs

Kids and teens of all ages are invited to read, create and have fun this summer!  Help your kids track their reading and earn a special CPL T-shirt.

LEARN MORE

Youth & Teen Resources

Summer is the perfect time for kids and teens to become a bigger part of their communities. These resources are designed to help them explore their interests.

My Chi My Future

Chicago’s out-of-school experiences help kids and teens discover and cultivate their talents, passions, skills, and identities. Explore online and in-person opportunities around the city.