I’ve never been good at flying kites. I never could get them up in the sky. However, last year my son ended up getting a kite in his Easter basket. We took it to the park and low and behold my four-year-old got it to fly. He became obsessed. Now kite flying is one of my families favorite traditions in the spring. There is just something so beautiful about watching kites dance around in the air, and it’s even more fun to see a bunch of kites flying all in a row at one of the many local kite festivals.

Kite Festivals in Lake County
Kite festivals bring together a lot of people to fly kites and create a picturesque scene in the sky. In addition, there is often music, food, and kite shows from professional kite flyers. You don’t even have to travel far to attend one, we have many right here in Lake County throughout the year. Like everything, kite-flying festivals are very weather dependent. If mother nature does not cooperate, they will be canceled or rescheduled.
Events are listed in chronological order. Please double check the website before heading out with your kites and kids. We will be updating it all summer long.
Family Kite Fly
27 April 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Century Park, Vernon Hills
Circle the skies high above Century Park Arboretum flying a kite! Bring your own kite or purchase one at the event for $10.
Annual Barrington Area Kidfest
4 May 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Citizens Park, Barrington
Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club, Leave No Child Inside and the Barrington Park District come together to host this fabulous community event, along with over 20 other different organizations. This is a FREE event located at Citizen’s Park. We have something for everyone to enjoy and it’s ALL FREE! This event is very popular and parking is limited. FREE kites will be provided to all children ages 2-10. One kite per child.
Flying for Kids
11 May 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Clearview Park, Waukegan
Bring a favorite kite to the park for a flight with family, friends, and neighbors. Kite kits will also be available for children to create their own uniquely decorated kite to fly. Pre-registration is requested.
Kite Festival – Glencoe
10 & 11 August, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
The Kite Festival will take place in the meadow west of Evening Island. Enjoy soaring stunt-kite performances set to music by members of the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois. In addition to watching the professionals, feel free to bring your own kite to participate in public fly time, or make a kite to fly at the kite-making workshop.
Volo Kite Fest
14 September 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Burnell C. Russell Municipal Complex, Volo
Volo’s first kite festival. We will have a stunt kite flyer who will be performing and also have his shop set up for any who wish to buy. In addition, all who desire will have the space to fly their own kites.
Where is your family’s favorite place to fly a kite in Lake County? Tell us in the comments section below.

Leave a Reply