Summer Support for Parents
Summer Support for Parents
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.
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.
Healthy summer cooking
Summer is a great time to cook together at home! Get resources for healthy meal planning and gain new cooking skills.
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.
Daycare assistance
The IDHS Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps income-eligible parents pay for childcare while they work or go to school.
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.
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.
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.
CPS' summer book club for Pre-k through 2nd grade
CPS summer learning programs
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.
One Summer Chicago
This city initiative provides youth ages 14 to 24 with employment and enrichment opportunities during the summer months.
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Mental Health & Trauma
Your child’s mental health is an important part of their well-being. Know how to recognize and respond to signs of common mental health problems..
Child & Teen Health
As children grow, their needs become more diverse. Get the support you need along the way, from oral health tips to nutrition assistance and more.
Back to School Health Tips
Add a few more healthy steps to your back-to-school checklists this year.