American Girl Store Summer 2026 Activities in Chicago, Illinois!

Summer is almost here (well, it is for me!), and summer fun is about to start at American Girl stores around the country! Are you in the Chicago, Illinois area and want something fun to do over the summer? The American Girl location in Water Tower Place has fun activities for you, your kid, or any American Girl fan in your life!

Here are all the activities going on this summer at the Chicago American Girl location!

American Girl Pet Adoption Day - May 16, June 20, July 18, August 29

"Calling all pet lovers! Looking to add a furry friend to your American Girl family in the new year? Join our Pet Adoption Day to adopt a new pet for your doll! First, girls will choose which pet from the Truly Me collection of select cats and dogs they would like to take home. An American Girl adoption counselor will complete an adoption certificate to commemorate your doll’s special day! Afterward, head to our pet pampering station where your new pet will receive a complimentary grooming service. Then, head to our photo spot for a picture with your newly adopted pet and adoption certificate! Girls will also go home with a goody bag that includes a pet food bowl and our “Pets: Getting Them, Caring for Them, and Loving Them” book."

'80s Doll Hair & Manicure Day - May 17

"Join us for a special ’80s-inspired hairstyling and manicure session in the Dolled Up Salon! Spend some time with expert doll stylists as we teach your girl how to style her doll’s hair, paint her doll’s nails, and keep both looking great. The event also includes a goody bag and doll nail polish. We only accept appointments for authentic 18-inch American Girl® dolls for this event."

Flower Crown Party & Lunch - May 17

"Celebrate May in full bloom! American Girl will host a class on how to make festive flower crowns. Afterward, enjoy a meal in our café, which includes a beverage, shareable appetizer, and entrée; then, top it off with our signature chocolate mousse."

American Girl Doll Care Day - May 23, July 11

"Does your girl like to play pretend? Join us for a fun, creative event sure to inspire your girl’s imagination! Make an appointment with one of our doll doctors for a fun care center checkup. A doll doctor will complete a checkup on your girl’s doll and clean the doll’s skin. Afterward, your girl can take photos with her doll in the care center. Dolls go home with a gown, a wellness certificate, and a Hugs and Well Wishes Balloon & Bear! We only accept appointments for authentic 18-inch American Girl® dolls for this event. No doll surgery or limb tightening will happen at this event."

Courtney's Totally Rad Painting Party & Lunch - May 24

"Come join Courtney and American Girl for a totally rad painting party! During this special day, your girl can show off her creative side with a painting class inspired by one of our historical characters, Courtney Moore™! Girls and their families will enjoy lunch in our café, which includes a beverage, shareable appetizer, and entrée. End your meal with our signature chocolate mousse. During the painting portion of the event, guests will enjoy an hour-long instructor-led class on acrylic painting. Then, participants will be given a special American Girl bag to put their paintings in, and everyone can enjoy some shopping time in our store."

Doll Hair & Manicure Day - June 7, June 28, July 5, August 2, August 16

"Join us for a special hairstyling and manicure session in the Dolled Up Salon! Spend some time with expert doll stylists as we teach your girl how to style her doll’s hair, paint her doll’s nails, and keep both looking great. The event also includes a goody bag and doll nail polish. We only accept appointments for authentic 18-inch American Girl® dolls for this event."

Crafts in Seneca Park - June 9, June 23, July 7, July 21, August 4, August 18

"Join us for a fun afternoon in Seneca Park! We will be hosting a table with stickers and coloring pages* based on some of your favorite dolls. We can’t wait to see you there!"

Dance With Your Doll & Ballet Chicago - June 13

"Join your friends at American Girl and Ballet Chicago for an exclusive opportunity to learn a special instructor-led dance routine for girls and their dolls. The class will be 30-45 minutes followed by a brief performance for their families to enjoy. Girls are encouraged to dress in ballet attire. Participants will receive a special take-home goody bag."

Summertime Painting Party and Lunch - June 14

"Wave goodbye to spring and hello to summer! Girls and their families will enjoy lunch in our café, which includes a beverage, shareable appetizer, and entrée. End your meal with our signature chocolate mousse. During the painting portion of the event, guests will enjoy an instructor-led, hour-long class on acrylics. Girls and participating adults can create a pretty painted canvas to celebrate summertime! Then participants will be given a special American Girl bag to put their paintings in, and everyone can enjoy some shopping time in our store."

Private Double Decker Sightseeing Tour & Lunch with American Girl - June 19, August 7

"See the spectacular sights of Chicago with your girl! Hop on an iconic double-decker bus with an open upper level for a private, two-hour guided tour. You and your girl will witness the best landmarks Chicago has to offer! Prior to the bus tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in our café together, which includes a beverage, shareable appetizer, and entrée. End your meal with our signature chocolate mousse."

Memories with Dad Lunch - June 20, June 21

"Bring your girl out for an extra-special Memories with Dad Lunch at American Girl. You’ll share a delightful meal that includes a beverage, shareable appetizer, entrée, and delicious dessert. Each girl will receive a special American Girl goody bag with a fun, memory-game table activity, a doll tote to put her game pieces in, and a star craft to assemble. Fresh flowers will also be given to your special girl!"

40th Anniversary Bingo Brunch - June 26, July 19

"Celebrate American Girl’s 40th anniversary with a lively morning of bingo and brunch! Everyone's favorite game of chance will have you and your girl on the edge of your seats listening for your numbers and getting ready to shout “Bingo!” And, of course, there will be plenty of prizes. During the game, enjoy brunch in the American Girl Café."

Summer Cookie Decorating - June 27, July 25

"Celebrate summer with a sweet treat! Children (and adults!) can get creative by decorating cookies with festive frosting and sprinkles. Then, take them home in a to-go box along with summer stickers to celebrate the season!"

Picnic Celebration Lunch - June 27, June 28

"Avoid the heat and have a picnic inside at American Girl! This fun family event starts with bite-sized picnic treats and sweets. Afterwards, your girl can put her own spin on decorating a summer pinwheel craft. All girls will also receive a special themed goody bag. Girls (and dolls) are encouraged to show up in their favorite summer outfits!"

Nanea's Tiki Cruise and Lunch with American Girl - July 10, July 24

"Aloha! Come celebrate the spirit of Hawai‘i this summer with American Girl! The day begins with a delicious lunch in our café together, which includes a beverage, shareable appetizer, and entrée; then, end your meal with our signature mousse. Afterward, head to the Chicago Riverwalk to board a 90-minute tiki cruise of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. You and your girl will witness the Chicago skyline in a new way! A craft inspired by our historical character Nanea Mitchell™ will be available for children on the cruise. Prior to boarding, everyone will receive a lei to get in the aloha spirit!"

Sweet as Summer Teatime - July 10, July 11, July 12

"Treat your girl to a charming summertime-inspired teatime filled with sweetness and delight. Enjoy a delicious spread of savory bites, dainty tea sandwiches, beautiful sweet treats, and a pot of perfectly brewed tea to share together. To make the moment even more special, each child will enjoy a summer-themed craft right at their table."

Nanea's Tropical Painting Party and Lunch - July 12

"Aloha! Come celebrate the spirit of Hawai‘i this summer with American Girl! Girls and their families will enjoy lunch in our café, which includes a beverage, shareable appetizer, and entrée. End your meal with our signature chocolate mousse. During the painting portion of the event, guests will enjoy an instructor-led, hour-long class on acrylics. Girls and participating adults can create a pretty painted canvas and learn about Nanea’s 1940s story! Then participants will be given a special American Girl bag to put their paintings in, and everyone can enjoy some shopping time in our store."

Kane County Cougars Mascot Visit - July 25, August 8

"The Kane County Cougars’ mascots, Ozzie and Annie, will be visiting our store to meet guests and take photos. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets to the American Girl® Night at the Kane County Cougars game on August 21!"

Beach Cookie Decorating - August 8

"Sand, sun, and a sweet treat! Children (and adults!) can get creative by decorating cookies with frosting and sprinkles that bring the beach to you. Then, take them home in a to-go box along with summer stickers to celebrate the season!"

Julie's Sunny 70s Painting Party & Lunch - August 9

"Get ready for a groovy painting class at American Girl! Girls and their families will enjoy lunch in our café, which includes a beverage, shareable appetizer, and entrée. End your meal with our signature chocolate mousse. During the painting portion of the event, guests will enjoy an instructor-led, hour-long class on acrylics. Girls and participating adults can create a pretty painted canvas and learn about Julie’s 1970s story! Then participants will be given a special American Girl bag to put their paintings in, and everyone can enjoy some shopping time in our store."

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