Family Things To Do In the Chicago Western Suburbs This Weekend

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some great family-friendly options taking place in the western suburbs.

Cantigny Park – Wheaton

From Cantigny’s site: “Celebrate the season with Spring Fest at Cantigny! Enjoy the park with a visit to our beautiful gardens. Stop by McCormick House as we host our first-ever marketplace inside the historic home. This market features talented artisans showcasing their creations — a curated shopping experience with local vendors offering jewelry, pottery, art, and more! A craft coffee and pastry bar will be set up on the South Porch to enhance your visit”

Featuring a bulb sale, Live music in the beer garden, gnome scavenger hunt, lawn games and plant crafts.

Cost: $12 per person (free for kids 15 and under)

More information available here: https://cantigny.org/event/cantigny-spring-fest/

Aurora Outlets Spring Carnival – Aurora

Put on by Windy City Amusements.

Festival Hours

Friday: 5-9pm
Saturday: 12-9pm
Sunday: 12-8pm

Specials, Tickets & Promotions


Unlimited Ride Specials

Friday from 5-8:30pm:  $35
Saturday from 12-4pm:  $30
Saturday from 5-8:30pm:  $35
Sunday from 12-4pm:  $30

Individual Ride Tickets

Individual ride tickets may be purchased at the ticket box. Rides take multiple tickets depending on the ride.

Individual Tickets: $1 each
20 Tickets: $20
44 tickets: $40

More information available here: https://www.windycityamusements.com/event-details.asp?eventID=114

West Chicago Blooming Fest – West Chicago (9am-3pm Sat May 18)

From their website:

“Blooming Fest is DuPage County’s official welcoming committee of spring that is held in West Chicago’s downtown. Gardening enthusiasts, craft lovers, and everyone else, are welcome to explore the event that features one of the region’s largest plant sales, live music, a variety of craft and food vendors, and enjoyable family-friendly activities.”

Cost: Free for attendance. Vendor costs vary.

More information available here: https://westchicago.org/blooming-fest/

Bike Rodeo – Warrenville

From their Facebook page:

• Giveaways: bike bells, t-shirts, and more!
• Free bike safety inspection & repairs courtesy of Recycled Cycling

When: Saturday, May 18, 9:00-11:00 a.m. 
Where: 28W701 Stafford Place (Parking Lot) 

· Get a bike safety check with Warrenville’s Recycled Cycling Bike Shop.
· Put your navigation skills to the test on our rodeo course. 
· Register your bike with Warrenville Police Department and get fitted for a bike helmet.
· Discover bike literature with Warrenville Public Library.
· And more!

Cost: Free!

Register here

Touch a Truck Event – Batavia Park District (Eastside Center)

From their Facebook Event: “Bring your children to discover a variety of local vehicles up close. At past events, the Batavia Park District’s trolley, a fire truck, police car, bus, tow truck, tractors and more have made appearances! Come explore! Registration is not necessary, but parent supervision is required. 
10-10:45 a.m., will be a sensory friendly event so please no honking
Location: Eastside Community Center parking lot”

Cost: Free!

More info here

Pop Up Candle Bar – Downtown Wheaton

Join Sprinkles Candles during their pop up event at Babe Bodega on Saturday, May 18th

From their Facebook page:

“Includes:

• 8oz candle jar in a few colors

• Choose your wick

• Choose your scent

• Add your toppings

• Name your Candle

I will put all of this together to create your custom candle and bag your creation so it’s ready to go with you!

Allow approx. 15-20 minutes to cool.

Perfect to do on your way to or from the French Market!”

More info here

Have a great weekend everybody!!!

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    What's New on the 'Gram

    Hi friends—especially those of you who are new here! 👋
    .
    With so many new faces lately, it felt like the perfect time to re-introduce myself.
    I’m Kim, the photographer behind Novella Photography. I specialize in capturing real connection, movement, and emotion (the in-between moments) that feel like you. I’m not about stiff poses or forced smiles. My sessions are full of gentle prompts, games, silly sounds, laughter, and letting kids be kids.
    I photograph families, mamas, milestones, seniors, and all the seasons in between…because I truly believe these everyday moments deserve to be remembered. The messy, loud, quiet, joyful, tender ones… those are the good ones.
    .
    ✨ Five things that make me unique as a photographer:
    1️⃣ I don’t “pose” families; I guide them. Expect movement, snuggles, laughter, and moments that feel natural (no hand-placement instructions here 😉).
    2️⃣ Kids don’t have to behave to be photographed. Wiggly, shy, loud, or wild; I meet them exactly where they are.
    3️⃣ I care just as much about the feeling as the photo. If you tear up when you see your gallery… that’s kind of the goal 💛
    4️⃣ I design sessions around connection, not a checklist. I’m watching for glances, pauses, and the moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
    5️⃣ Many of my themed sessions are inspired by client feedback…you share an idea, and I run with it!
    .
    When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me spending time with my family, at a volleyball tournament, volunteering, traveling, or dreaming up new session ideas.
    .
    ✨ Three things about me personally:
    1️⃣ I have two different colored eyes (heterochromia) and yes, they’re real 😉
    2️⃣ I’ve been vegan for over 10 years and love recreating comfort foods in a plant-based way (even my non-vegan friends approve!)
    3️⃣ I’m newly obsessed with college and professional volleyball—my daughter and I have taken day trips just to watch a match live.
    .
    If you’re new; say hi in the comments or tell me what you’d love to see from Novella Photography this year.
    .
    And if you’ve been here awhile, thank you for being part of this little community of mine 💛

    13 0
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 18081740471169251
    Hi friends—especially those of you who are new here! 👋 . With so many new faces lately, it felt like the perfect time to re-introduce myself. I’m Kim, the photographer behind Novella Photography. I specialize in capturing real connection, movement, and emotion (the in-between moments) that feel like you. I’m not about stiff poses or forced smiles. My sessions are full of gentle prompts, games, silly sounds, laughter, and letting kids be kids. I photograph families, mamas, milestones, seniors, and all the seasons in between…because I truly believe these everyday moments deserve to be remembered. The messy, loud, quiet, joyful, tender ones… those are the good ones. . ✨ Five things that make me unique as a photographer: 1️⃣ I don’t “pose” families; I guide them. Expect movement, snuggles, laughter, and moments that feel natural (no hand-placement instructions here 😉). 2️⃣ Kids don’t have to behave to be photographed. Wiggly, shy, loud, or wild; I meet them exactly where they are. 3️⃣ I care just as much about the feeling as the photo. If you tear up when you see your gallery… that’s kind of the goal 💛 4️⃣ I design sessions around connection, not a checklist. I’m watching for glances, pauses, and the moments you didn’t even realize were happening. 5️⃣ Many of my themed sessions are inspired by client feedback…you share an idea, and I run with it! . When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me spending time with my family, at a volleyball tournament, volunteering, traveling, or dreaming up new session ideas. . ✨ Three things about me personally: 1️⃣ I have two different colored eyes (heterochromia) and yes, they’re real 😉 2️⃣ I’ve been vegan for over 10 years and love recreating comfort foods in a plant-based way (even my non-vegan friends approve!) 3️⃣ I’m newly obsessed with college and professional volleyball—my daughter and I have taken day trips just to watch a match live. . If you’re new; say hi in the comments or tell me what you’d love to see from Novella Photography this year. . And if you’ve been here awhile, thank you for being part of this little community of mine 💛

    It’s so fun to look back at the memories created this year. Thank you all for being a part of it!
    .
    #yearinreview #2025 #familyphotography #warrenvillephotographer #napervillephotographer

    7 3
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 18102502096685369
    It’s so fun to look back at the memories created this year. Thank you all for being a part of it! . #yearinreview #2025 #familyphotography #warrenvillephotographer #napervillephotographer

    WHAT. A. YEAR!
    Pop over to my Facebook page to pick your favorites from 2025. Top two pictures that get the most votes will receive a 8x12 canvas :). Check out Facebook for all the details.
    .
    Voting is open until 11:59pm on January 11th
    .
    #myfavoritethings #contest #familyphotography #familyphoto #warrenvillephotographer

    5 3
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 18322664866174977
    WHAT. A. YEAR! Pop over to my Facebook page to pick your favorites from 2025. Top two pictures that get the most votes will receive a 8x12 canvas :). Check out Facebook for all the details. . Voting is open until 11:59pm on January 11th . #myfavoritethings #contest #familyphotography #familyphoto #warrenvillephotographer

    SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SALE
    .
    September is my most absolute FAVORITE month to have sessions in. The humidity is low, the temps are beautiful, rainfalls are minimal, the sunsets are GORGEOUS, the wildflowers are out and those pesky bug ratios are pretty low.
    .
    I am offering $100 off any FULL sessions booked in September. This includes graduating senior sessions, extended family sessions or a regular family sessions. BUT, the catch is that your session needs to take place in September.
    .
    The $100 discount almost brings the price for a full family session down to 2025 mini pricing! That means more pictures, more time with me, and a more personalized session at almost the same price as a mini session cost in 2025. Do not sit on this deal!!!
    .
    HOW THE SMALL BUSINESS SALE WORKS:
    .
    *You say "YES! Sign me up! I don`t want to miss my chance for a September session with Novella Photography"
    * $100 retainer fee and contract is due upon booking
    * You paying your retainer now is your placeholder. I will contact you at the beginning of 2026 and we will start planning your session! If you don`t know what type of session you want right away or a specific date, that`s OK! We have plenty of time to get you set up for success!
    * Your $100 discount will be applied to your final balance right before session takes place.
    * I am only offering this to the first 5 booked for small business Saturday
    .
    Sale ends at 11:59pm on Sunday Nov 30th or when the 5 slots are booked. Whichever comes first.
    .
    https://book.usesession.com/t/fbkyNXeyjc

    5 0
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 18542541232065329
    SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SALE . September is my most absolute FAVORITE month to have sessions in. The humidity is low, the temps are beautiful, rainfalls are minimal, the sunsets are GORGEOUS, the wildflowers are out and those pesky bug ratios are pretty low. . I am offering $100 off any FULL sessions booked in September. This includes graduating senior sessions, extended family sessions or a regular family sessions. BUT, the catch is that your session needs to take place in September. . The $100 discount almost brings the price for a full family session down to 2025 mini pricing! That means more pictures, more time with me, and a more personalized session at almost the same price as a mini session cost in 2025. Do not sit on this deal!!! . HOW THE SMALL BUSINESS SALE WORKS: . *You say "YES! Sign me up! I don't want to miss my chance for a September session with Novella Photography" * $100 retainer fee and contract is due upon booking * You paying your retainer now is your placeholder. I will contact you at the beginning of 2026 and we will start planning your session! If you don't know what type of session you want right away or a specific date, that's OK! We have plenty of time to get you set up for success! * Your $100 discount will be applied to your final balance right before session takes place. * I am only offering this to the first 5 booked for small business Saturday . Sale ends at 11:59pm on Sunday Nov 30th or when the 5 slots are booked. Whichever comes first. . https://book.usesession.com/t/fbkyNXeyjc

    BLACK FRIDAY SALE
    .
    Selling out of Holiday sessions the first week in October was great for me...but not so great for some of my clients. Here is your chance to get a 2026 Fall or Holiday slot NOW to get $75 off and not have think about anything until session themes are released in July.
    .
    HOW THE BLACK FRIDAY SALE WORKS:
    You say "YES! Sign me up! I don`t want to miss my chance for a fall or holiday session with Novella Photography in 2026"
    $100 retainer fee and contract is due upon booking
    You paying your retainer now is your placeholder. Once themes are finalized in July, my Black Friday clients will have first dibs at picking their themes and timeslots. I will contact you and get all of those finalized before opening up sales to the general public.
    .
    Your $75 discount will be applied to your final balance right before your 2026 Fall/Holiday session takes place.
    .
    NITTY GRITTY:
    I am only taking 10 sessions at this discounted price
    This is the largest discount you will see on 2025 Fall/Holiday minis. My Christmas in July sale will not have this large of a discount.
    Fall/Holiday minis are designed for immediate family only. If looking to include grandma/grandpa, cousins, or more than 5 people, please contact me for special pricing. A mini session typically would not be sufficient due to the time.
    .

    https://book.usesession.com/t/WU3L3IxiAF

    5 0
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 17875387608444670
    BLACK FRIDAY SALE . Selling out of Holiday sessions the first week in October was great for me...but not so great for some of my clients. Here is your chance to get a 2026 Fall or Holiday slot NOW to get $75 off and not have think about anything until session themes are released in July. . HOW THE BLACK FRIDAY SALE WORKS: You say "YES! Sign me up! I don't want to miss my chance for a fall or holiday session with Novella Photography in 2026" $100 retainer fee and contract is due upon booking You paying your retainer now is your placeholder. Once themes are finalized in July, my Black Friday clients will have first dibs at picking their themes and timeslots. I will contact you and get all of those finalized before opening up sales to the general public. . Your $75 discount will be applied to your final balance right before your 2026 Fall/Holiday session takes place. . NITTY GRITTY: I am only taking 10 sessions at this discounted price This is the largest discount you will see on 2025 Fall/Holiday minis. My Christmas in July sale will not have this large of a discount. Fall/Holiday minis are designed for immediate family only. If looking to include grandma/grandpa, cousins, or more than 5 people, please contact me for special pricing. A mini session typically would not be sufficient due to the time. . https://book.usesession.com/t/WU3L3IxiAF

    email : knovellaphotography@gmail.com

    follow me on Facebook and instagram @novella.photos

    located in warrenville, il

    serving Naperville, warrenville, Wheaton, winfield, aurora, Lombard, downers grove, Lisle, glen ellyn, Woodridge, oak brook, elmhurst, and other surrounding western suburbs of Chicago