Free and low-cost help for families in the North Side of Chicago (Rogers Park, Uptown, Edgewater, Lakeview, Lincoln Park and more). Food, childcare, schools, youth programs, health care and more.
Chicago's disability-led independent living center. Youth programs (Pathways, ages 10-25) teach self-advocacy and independent living skills and help plan for college and jobs.
One of the largest developmental centers in Chicagoland, for kids birth to 18: evaluations for autism, behavior and learning concerns, plus parent training for ages 3-17.
Food pantry for families between Lawrence and Irving Park (Pulaski to Western). Wednesdays 8 to 10 a.m.
Boys & Girls Club with after-school and summer programs for kids and teens: homework help, sports, arts, STEM and meals. Low-cost membership.
Boys & Girls Club with after-school and summer programs for kids and teens: homework help, sports, arts, STEM and meals. Low-cost membership.
Free hot meal Wednesdays 6 to 7 p.m.
FREE city mental health counseling for children, teens and adults who live in Chicago. Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Evening hours some days.
FREE help for families of Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing kids 0-22: Deaf adult mentors, family sign language classes, youth activities and help at IEP meetings.
FREE one-on-one tutoring and mentoring for grades 1 to 12, one evening a week, with dinner, enrichment classes and transportation. Also summer day camp and an urban farm.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
FREE Chicago Public Library branch: story times, kids' and teen programs, homework help, computers and Wi-Fi, and free passes and events. Free library card for Chicago residents.
Rowing programs for youth and adults of all abilities, including adaptive rowing, on the Chicago River.
Local Early Intervention office for north Chicago ZIP codes, for children under 3 with delays or disabilities. Anyone can call to request a FREE evaluation.
Christian shelters for homeless families and individuals (Hannah, Naomi and Sylvia family shelters) with help moving into stable housing.
City of Chicago community service center: help applying for benefits, food pantry and clothing referrals, shelter placement, free CTA ride help, veteran and job referrals. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Health center inside Amundsen High School: checkups, sports physicals and counseling for students.
Erie Family Health clinic: checkups, shots, school physicals, prenatal care and mental health for kids and adults, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. English and Spanish.
Erie Family Health clinic: checkups, shots, school physicals, prenatal care and mental health for kids and adults, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. English and Spanish.
Health center inside Lake View High School: checkups, sports physicals and counseling for students.
Affordable golf and life-skills programs for kids and teens 7 to 18: after-school, summer camps and lessons. Main office location.
Down syndrome achievement center with FREE tutoring, speech-language, fitness and social programs for all ages, plus a community for families.
Safe space for young people 12 to 24, especially LGBTQ youth: health care, counseling, GED help, housing help, and free drop-in meals, clothing, laundry and showers. Regardless of ability to pay.
Food pantry for families between Howard and Devon (Western to the lake). Tuesdays 3-7 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m. to noon.
FREE weekly one-to-one tutoring with a volunteer for kids in Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park. Email tutoring@inspiredyouthchicago.org.
FREE manufacturing training (CNC, press brake, welding) for lower-income and unemployed adults 18+, with career coaching and job placement.
Group respite afternoons with activities for kids with intellectual/developmental disabilities, plus vouchers that reimburse families for hiring a respite worker.
Historic glass-house conservatory with tropical plants and seasonal flower shows. FREE admission with timed-entry reservations.
PAID 7-week summer job for Chicago teens 16-18 teaching visitors about animals and conservation. Applications usually open Feb 1 and close in early March.
Evaluations and care plans for infants through teens with autism, developmental delays, Down syndrome and learning or intellectual disabilities. Also at Lurie's Uptown and Austin outpatient centers.
Park District ice rink and tennis center: learn to skate, youth hockey and junior tennis.
58+ acres of woods, wetland and prairie trails, a discovery room and a nature play area. Open daily 9am-4pm; some classes and camps charge fees.
Hands-on Midwest nature exhibits. 52 Illinois resident FREE days in 2026 (suggested $10 donation), including Oct 5-9, Nov 2-4, Nov 30-Dec 2 and Dec 7-8.
Rehab for kids birth to young adult: therapy, communication devices, wheelchair seating, aquatic therapy, and cerebral palsy and spina bifida clinics. Accepts Illinois Medicaid; financial assistance available.
Catholic parish food pantry. Saturdays 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Catholic parish food pantry. Mon 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Thu 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.
Catholic (Vincentian) food pantry for downtown and Near North ZIPs. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Catholic parish food pantry for ZIPs 60614, 60610 and 60657. Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Catholic parish food pantry for ZIPs 60614, 60610 and 60657. Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hands-on Brunk Children's Museum of Immigration. FREE on the second Tuesday of each month; otherwise $4 per child or $15 per family.
Church food pantry. 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon.
Food pantry for families between Touhy and Montrose (Pulaski to Ravenswood). Mon, Thu, Fri noon-4 p.m.; Tue 3-7 p.m.
Historic church behind By The Hand Club for Kids (after-school tutoring and mentoring), Hope For Kids (foster care support) and a homeless ministry.
Historic church behind By The Hand Club for Kids (after-school tutoring and mentoring), Hope For Kids (foster care support) and a homeless ministry.
FREE one-to-one tutoring for students in grades 1-12 with a trained volunteer tutor, once a week during the school year. Apply online.
FREE one-to-one tutoring for students in grades 1-12 with a trained volunteer tutor, once a week during the school year. Apply online.
Free hot meal Sundays 4 to 6 p.m.
See something wrong or missing? Email theparentpowernetwork@gmail.com