Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area · Latest check Sat, Oct 24
Things to do with kids in Cook County, IL
187 upcoming family events and 34 places and programs in Cook County, IL. Every listing links to the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it — confirm the details there before you go. Dates are in Central Time.
All of the Chicago area →This weekend in Chicago →Upcoming family events
Oct24SatArts & craftsSat, Oct 24 · 7:00 PM
Beetlejuice Jr. — Northbrook Theatre Youth Company
Northbrook Community Center
From $15
Oct24SatOutdoorsThrough Oct 25
Boo! at the Zoo with Dinos 2026
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
PaidAll ages
Oct24SatArts & craftsSat, Oct 24 · 3:00 PM
Día de los Muertos Xicágo 2026
Harrison Park and the National Museum of Mexican Art surroundings
FreeAll ages
Oct24SatPumpkins and patchesSat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM
Dvorak Pumpkin Patch
Dvorak Park
FreeAll ages
Oct24SatOutdoorsSat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM
Fall Fest — Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
FreeAll ages
Oct24SatSpooky and hauntedSat, Oct 24 · 7:30 PM
Ghostlight Gathering: Monster High Dance Show — Oak Lawn
Erica Heilmann Theatre (Oak View Center & Museum)
Paid
Oct24SatCommunitySat, Oct 24 · 2:00 PM
Ghoulfest at Gompers
Gompers Park
With admission
Oct24SatOutdoorsSat, Oct 24 · 9:00 AM
Gillson Beach Clean-Up with Go Green Wilmette
Gillson Beach
Free
Oct24SatSTEM & discoverySat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM
Girls Build! Public Art & Architecture — Fall 2026
Chicago Center for Arts & Technology
Free
Oct24SatSports & playSat, Oct 24 · 3:00 PM
Halloween Open Gym — Oak Lawn Gymnastics Center
Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center
- Oct24SatPumpkins and patches
Sat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM
Margate Park Pumpkin Patch
Margate Park
From $10All ages
Oct24SatPumpkins and patchesSat, Oct 24 · 6:30 PM
Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns 2026
Chicago Botanic Garden
From $17All ages
Oct24SatOutdoorsSat, Oct 24 · 8:00 PM
River Trail Nightlife: The Return of Scary Stories
River Trail Nature Center
From $5Ages 8+
Oct24SatSpooky and hauntedSat, Oct 24 · 2:00 PM
Spooky Stories & S'mores at Thatcher Woods
Thatcher Woods Pavilion
Free
Oct24SatSTEM & discoverySat, Oct 24 · 11:00 AM
Teen Saturday Studio: Concrete Creations
Revolution Workshop
Free
Oct24SatTrick-or-treatSat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM
Trunk or Treat at Pioneer Park — Arlington Heights
Pioneer Park
From $10Ages 2–13
Oct24SatTrick-or-treatSat, Oct 24 · 12:00 PM
Trunk or Treat at Prairie Lakes — Des Plaines
Prairie Lakes Community Center
Ages 3+
- Oct24SatArts & crafts
Through Nov 29
Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos — Family Ofrenda Visit
National Museum of Mexican Art
FreeAll ages
- Trick-or-treat
Sat, Oct 24 · 1:00 PM
Halloween Treats Kids' Cooking Class — Skokie
Devonshire Cultural Center
From $26Ages 6–12
- Trick-or-treat
Sat, Oct 24 · 3:00 PM
Kooky Spooky Candy Trail and Lights On Scream Scene — Skokie
Oakton Park
PaidAges 2–13
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Oct 24 · 10:30 AM
Medieval Monsters Painting Workshop
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier
With admission
- Pumpkins and patches
Sat, Oct 24 · 1:00 PM
Pumpkin Party at Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way
FreeAll ages
Oct25SunArts & craftsSun, Oct 25 · 1:00 PM
Cornhusk Doll and Storytelling Workshop at Sand Ridge
Sand Ridge Nature Center
Free
Oct25SunCostumes and paradesSun, Oct 25 · 1:00 PM
Costume Open Skate — Oak Lawn Ice Arena
Oak Lawn Ice Arena
From $5All ages
Oct25SunCostumes and paradesSun, Oct 25 · 1:30 PM
Costumed Scavenger Hunt Walk at Trailside Museum
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Free
Oct25SunPumpkins and patchesSun, Oct 25 · 3:00 PM
Pumpkin Plunge at Tinley Fitness
Tinley Fitness
From $8
Oct25SunPumpkins and patchesSun, Oct 25 · 11:00 AM
Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt at Crabtree Nature Center
Crabtree Nature Center
Free
Oct25SunTrick-or-treatSun, Oct 25 · 12:00 PM
Trunk or Treat at Eggers Grove
Eggers Grove
Free
- Spooky and haunted
Sun, Oct 25 · 1:00 PM
Family Spooky Skate at H-F Ice Arena — Flossmoor
H-F Ice Arena
From $7All ages
- Spooky and haunted
Sun, Oct 25 · 10:30 AM
The Un-Haunted Forest Story Hike
River Trail Nature Center
FreeUp to 9
- Trick-or-treat
Sun, Oct 25 · 2:00 PM
Trick or Treat Fest at Chase Park
Chase (Salmon) Park
From $10All ages
- STEM & discovery
Mon, Oct 26 · 3:00 PM
LEGO Club — Douglass Branch
Chicago Public Library — Douglass
Ages 6+
Oct28WedSTEM & discoveryWed, Oct 28 · 5:00 PM
Dark Matter Day at Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium
With admissionAll ages
Oct28WedSpooky and hauntedWed, Oct 28 · 5:30 PM
Haunted House Festival at Pulaski Park
Pulaski (Casimer) Park
From $10All ages
Oct28WedTrick-or-treatWed, Oct 28 · 5:30 PM
Trick or Treat Trail at Vogt Woods
Vogt Woods
From $5
Oct29ThuSports & playThu, Oct 29 · 4:00 PM
Fall Open Climb at Camp Sullivan
Camp Sullivan
Free
Oct29ThuSTEM & discoveryThu, Oct 29 · 11:00 AM
Meet a Scientist: Neotropical Bats
Field Museum — Grainger Science Hub
With admissionAll ages
Oct29ThuArts & craftsThu, Oct 29 · 10:30 AM
Nature's Art Box at Little Red Schoolhouse
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
FreeAges 3–6
Oct29ThuSTEM & discoveryThu, Oct 29 · 7:00 PM
Night at the Museum at Trailside
Trailside Museum of Natural History
FreeAges 13+
Oct29ThuFestivals and partiesThu, Oct 29 · 5:30 PM
Oriole Children’s Halloween Dinner and Reptile Party
Oriole Park
From $10
- STEM & discovery
Thu, Oct 29 · 3:00 PM
LEGO Club — Legler Regional
Chicago Public Library — Legler Regional
Ages 6+
- Festivals and parties
Thu, Oct 29 · 6:00 PM
Screamwood Boo Bash — Streamwood
Park Place Family Recreation Center
FreeAll ages
Oct30FriCommunityFri, Oct 30 · 4:00 PM
Boo-tiful Adventure at Galewood Park
Galewood Park
Free
Oct30FriFestivals and partiesFri, Oct 30 · 6:00 PM
Family Field Nights: Boo with SUE
Field Museum
From $40All ages
- Oct30FriCommunity
Fri, Oct 30 · 4:00 PM
Halloween Palooza at Green Briar Park
Green Briar Park
FreeAll ages
- Oct30FriFestivals and parties
Fri, Oct 30 · 4:00 PM
Halloween Party at West Lawn Park
West Lawn Park
Free
Oct30FriSpooky and hauntedFri, Oct 30 · 7:00 PM
Kooky Spooky Skate — Northbrook Sports Center
Northbrook Sports Center
From $5All ages
- Oct30FriSpooky and haunted
Fri, Oct 30 · 11:00 AM
Meet a Scientist: Spooky Spider Webs
Field Museum
With admissionAll ages
- Oct30FriOutdoors
Fri, Oct 30 · 6:00 PM
Owl-oween Bash at Crabtree Nature Center
Crabtree Nature Center
Free
- Oct30FriTrick-or-treat
Fri, Oct 30 · 4:00 PM
Skate or Treat Halloween Party at Douglass Park
Douglass (Anna and Frederick) Park
FreeAll ages
- Pumpkins and patches
Fri, Oct 30 · 6:00 PM
Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt at Irons Oaks — Homewood-Flossmoor
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center
From $15Ages 3–12
- Festivals and parties
Fri, Oct 30 · 12:00 PM
Halloween Bash at LeClaire-Hearst Park
LeClaire-Hearst Park
Free
- Arts & crafts
Fri, Oct 30 · 4:00 PM
Halloween Magic Mania at Haas Park
Haas (Joseph) Park
Free
- Spooky and haunted
Fri, Oct 30 · 6:00 PM
Haunted House at Avalon Park
Avalon Park
From $5All ages
Oct31SatSpooky and hauntedSat, Oct 31 · 1:00 PM
Spooky Skate at Centennial Ice Rinks
Centennial Ice Rinks
From $5All ages
Oct31SatPumpkins and patchesSat, Oct 31 · 12:00 PM
The Great Sand Ridge (Tiny) Pumpkin Hunt
Sand Ridge Nature Center
Free
- Festivals and parties
Sat, Oct 31 · 9:00 AM
Halloween Party at the Palatine Community Center
Palatine Park District Community Center
From $10
- Spooky and haunted
Sat, Oct 31 · 11:00 AM
Haunted House and Halloween Fun at Columbus Park
Columbus (Christopher) Park
Free
- Costumes and parades
Sat, Oct 31 · 12:00 PM
Upside Down Halloween Parade at Washington Park
Washington (George) Park — Russell Drive near the Refectory
FreeAll ages
- Nov1SunArts & crafts
Sun, Nov 1 · 1:00 PM
Día de los Muertos Sugar Skull Craft at Crabtree
Crabtree Nature Center
FreeAll ages
Nov1SunCommunityThrough Nov 30
Nation of Nations Exhibit at Trailside Museum
Trailside Museum of Natural History
Free
Nov1SunSports & playSun, Nov 1 · 8:00 AM
Tinley Park Turkey Trot
Vogt Woods
From $22
- Arts & crafts
Sun, Nov 1 · 4:30 PM
Hasta La Muerte — Las Cafeteras Day of the Dead Show
Hemmens Cultural Center
Paid
Nov2MonSports & playMon, Nov 2 · 9:00 AM
CircEsteem Day at the Circus — November School Days Off
CircEsteem
From $115Ages 6–16
Nov2MonSTEM & discoveryMon, Nov 2 · 9:00 AM
Griffin MSI Curiosity Day Camps (School Days Off)
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
From $100
- Nov4WedOutdoors
Wed, Nov 4 · 10:00 AM
Wee Wandering Wednesdays at Crabtree Nature Center
Crabtree Nature Center
FreeAges 2–6
- STEM & discovery
Wed, Nov 4 · 10:30 AM
Build A Game in the Tinkering Lab
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier
With admissionAges 4+
Nov6FriSports & playFri, Nov 6 · 7:00 PM
Cosmic Skating at Northbrook Sports Center
Northbrook Sports Center
From $8All ages
Nov6FriOutdoorsFri, Nov 6 · 6:00 PM
Stars, Stories & S'mores at LaBagh Woods
LaBagh Woods — Grove 2
Free
Nov6FriOutdoor rinksFri, Nov 6 · 7:30 PM
T.G.I.F. Skate: Beach Party Luau at Centennial Ice Rinks — Wilmette
Centennial Ice Rinks
From $10
- Community
Fri, Nov 6 · 5:00 PM
Día de los Muertos at Marquette Park
Marquette (Jacques) Park — Cultural Center
FreeAll ages
Nov7SatOutdoorsSat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Calumet Heritage Day at Sand Ridge Nature Center
Sand Ridge Nature Center
Free
Nov7SatCommunityThrough Jan 3
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light 2026
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
All ages
Nov7SatSports & playSat, Nov 7 · 8:00 AM
Fall Fishing Derby at Horsetail Lake
Horsetail Lake
Free
- Sports & play
Sat, Nov 7 · 12:00 PM
Parent and Child Turkey Shoot at Kosciuszko Park
Kosciuszko (Thadeuz) Park
From $10
- Outdoors
Sat, Nov 7 · 10:00 AM
Pumpkin Smash at Prairie Lakes — Des Plaines
Prairie Lakes Community Center (north parking lot)
All ages
- Outdoors
Sat, Nov 7 · 9:00 AM
Pumpkin Smash: From Gourd to Garden
Frontier Park
FreeAll ages
- Sports & play
Sat, Nov 7 · 5:00 PM
Superhero Bash — Skokie
Devonshire Cultural Center
From $15
Nov8SunSTEM & discoverySun, Nov 8 · 1:00 PM
Fossil Quarry Tour at Sagawau
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
Free
Nov8SunSTEM & discoverySun, Nov 8 · 11:00 AM
GPS Scavenger Hunt at River Trail Nature Center
River Trail Nature Center
FreeAll ages
- Nov8SunSTEM & discovery
Sun, Nov 8 · 1:00 PM
Map and Compass Basics at Crabtree Nature Center
Crabtree Nature Center
Free
Nov8SunCommunitySun, Nov 8 · 10:15 AM
Princess Holiday Party — Streamwood
Hoosier Grove Barn
From $44
- Nov10TueSTEM & discovery
Tue, Nov 10 · 10:00 AM
Little Sprouts Sound Lab at Crabtree Nature Center
Crabtree Nature Center
FreeAges 2–6
Nov10TueArts & craftsTue, Nov 10 · 10:00 AM
Small Serendipity at River Trail Nature Center
River Trail Nature Center
FreeAges 3–6
Nov11WedOutdoorsWed, Nov 11 · 10:00 AM
Wee Wonders: Snakes at Sand Ridge Nature Center
Sand Ridge Nature Center
FreeAges 2–5
- Community
Wed, Nov 11 · 10:00 AM
Veterans Day at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
All ages
- Nov12ThuOutdoors
Thu, Nov 12 · 9:30 AM
Baby Buds: Nature Songs and Stories at Crabtree
Crabtree Nature Center
Free
Nov13FriOutdoorsThrough Jan 3
Lightscape 2026–2027 — Family Trail
Chicago Botanic Garden
Paid
Nov13FriOutdoor rinksThrough Mar 7
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
Maggie Daley Park
With admissionAll ages
- Nutcracker and shows
Fri, Nov 13 · 7:30 PM
A Christmas Carol — Oak Lawn Park District Community Theater
Erica Heilmann Theatre (Oak View Center & Museum)
Paid
- Sports & play
Fri, Nov 13 · 6:00 PM
Pumpkin Splash at Park Place — Streamwood
Park Place Family Recreation Center
From $8.50All ages
- STEM & discovery
Fri, Nov 13 · 6:30 PM
Puzzle Palooza: Family Edition — Palatine
Birchwood Recreation Center
From $30
- Sports & play
Fri, Nov 13 · 7:00 PM
Teen Night — Bikini Bottom Bash
Arlington Ridge Center (ARC)
From $16
- Light displays
Through Jan 3
Willow Hill Lights Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show 2026–2027
Willow Hill Golf Course
From $40
Nov14SatArts & craftsSat, Nov 14 · 10:00 AM
America 250: Americana Folk Art Linocut Workshop
Thatcher Woods Pavilion
FreeAges 12+
Nov14SatArts & craftsSat, Nov 14 · 10:00 AM
Pete the Cat — Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences
Northbrook Community Center
From $18All ages
Nov14SatCommunitySat, Nov 14 · 10:30 AM
Princess & Pancake Party — Tinley Park
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
From $18
Nov14SatSports & playSat, Nov 14 · 1:15 PM
Try Skating for Free — Northbrook
Northbrook Sports Center
FreeAges 3+
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Nov 14 · 9:30 AM
“Artsgiving” Crafty Cornucopia — Mount Prospect
The Art Studio (Mount Prospect Park District)
From $41Ages 5–10
- Santa visits
Sat, Nov 14 · 10:00 AM
Holiday Market Family Days with Santa at The Grove — Glenview
The Grove Redfield Estate
From $5
- Arts & crafts
Sat, Nov 14 · 7:00 PM
Lionel Bart's Oliver Jr. — Skokie Park District Youth Theatre
Devonshire Cultural Center
From $18
- Cooking
Sat, Nov 14 · 3:00 PM
Nailed It Kitchen Challenge for Tweens and Teens — Skokie
Devonshire Cultural Center
From $29Ages 10–18
- Nov15SunCommunity
Sun, Nov 15 · 11:00 AM
Autumn Stories in Chinese at Little Red Schoolhouse
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
FreeAll ages
- Cooking
Sun, Nov 15 · 1:00 PM
Intergenerational Cooking: Holiday Baking at Cheney Mansion — Oak Park
Cheney Mansion
Paid
Nov19ThuLight displaysThu, Nov 19 · 6:00 PM
Illuminate 900: Holiday Tree Lighting at 900 North Michigan Shops
900 North Michigan Shops
From $5All ages
Nov20FriCommunityFri, Nov 20 · 11:00 AM
Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza 2026
Daley Plaza
FreeAll ages
- Nov20FriCommunity
Fri, Nov 20
Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville at Gallagher Way 2026
Gallagher Way
FreeAll ages
- Nov20FriOutdoors
Fri, Nov 20 · 5:00 PM
River Trail Nightlife: Owl Prowl
River Trail Nature Center
FreeAges 8+
Nov20FriSTEM & discoveryFri, Nov 20 · 5:00 PM
Stars, Stories, and S'mores at Dan Ryan Woods
Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center & Pavilion
FreeAll ages
Nov20FriSports & playFri, Nov 20 · 6:00 PM
Turkey Shoot Free Throw Contest — Northbrook
Techny Prairie Activity Center
From $9
Nov20FriCommunityFri, Nov 20 · 4:30 PM
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo 2026–2027
Lincoln Park Zoo
From $7All ages
Nov21SatCommunitySat, Nov 21 · 3:00 PM
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
From $29.95All ages
Nov21SatOutdoor rinksSat, Nov 21 · 2:00 PM
Light Up the Park and Ice Rink Opening — Rosemont
Parkway Bank Park
FreeAll ages
- Arts & crafts
Through Nov 22
Forge Kids Acting Workshop and Showcase
Forge Film Acting
From $250Ages 5–12
Nov22SunSTEM & discoverySun, Nov 22 · 10:00 AM
Cicada Pinning Class at Trailside Museum
Trailside Museum of Natural History
From $5Ages 14+
Nov23MonSTEM & discoveryMon, Nov 23 · 9:00 AM
Griffin MSI Fall Break Camps
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
From $300
Nov23MonOutdoorsMon, Nov 23 · 9:30 AM
School Day Off Camp at Chicago Botanic Garden — Festive Fall
Chicago Botanic Garden — Learning Center
Paid
- Arts & crafts
Mon, Nov 23 · 10:00 AM
Fantastical Fall Forest in the Great Hall
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier
With admissionAll ages
- Sports & play
Mon, Nov 23 · 12:00 PM
Thanksgiving Showdown Indoor Soccer Tournament — Mount Prospect
Central Community Center
From $75
Nov25WedSTEM & discoveryWed, Nov 25 · 10:30 AM
Thanksgiving LEGO Party — Northbrook
Northbrook Community Center
From $39
- Sports & play
Wed, Nov 25 · 4:00 PM
Thanksgiving Turkey Basketball Toss — Skokie
Weber Leisure Center
From $5Ages 6–17
- Sports & play
Thu, Nov 26 · 8:45 AM
Chi Town Turkey Trot 5K/10K & Kids Dash — DuSable Harbor
DuSable Harbor
PaidAll ages
- Nov27FriOutdoors
Fri, Nov 27 · 1:30 PM
Annual Turkey Trot Hike at Trailside Museum
Trailside Museum of Natural History
FreeAll ages
Nov27FriTree lightingsFri, Nov 27 · 4:30 PM
Arlington Heights Holiday Tree Lighting
North School Park
FreeAll ages
Nov27FriSports & playFri, Nov 27 · 10:00 AM
Wintrust Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier 2026–2027
Navy Pier — Festival Hall
From $27All ages
- Community
Through Dec 20
Kohlights Holiday Lightacular
Kohl Children's Museum
Paid
Nov28SatSports & playSat, Nov 28 · 7:45 AM
Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon & 5K with Kids Dash
Busse Woods — Ned Brown Meadow, Groves 28–30
With admission
Dec2WedCrafts and cookiesWed, Dec 2 · 4:00 PM
Holiday Cookie Crew: Generations of Cheer — Wilmette
Mallinckrodt Center
From $12Ages 5+
Dec4FriTree lightingsFri, Dec 4 · 4:30 PM
Des Plaines Holiday Tree Lighting at Metropolitan Square
Metropolitan Square
Dec4FriNutcracker and showsFri, Dec 4 · 7:30 PM
Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker — North Shore Center, Skokie
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Paid
Dec4FriNutcracker and showsFri, Dec 4 · 7:00 PM
The Nutcracker — Joffrey Ballet at the Lyric Opera House
Lyric Opera House
Paid
- Tree lightings
Fri, Dec 4 · 6:00 PM
Holiday Tree Lighting at West Lawn Park
West Lawn Park
Free
Dec5SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 5 · 8:30 AM
Breakfast with Santa at The Lawn — Wilmette
Wilmette Golf Club — The Lawn
Paid
Dec5SatNutcracker and showsSat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM
Breakfast with the Grinch — Streamwood
Park Place Family Recreation Center
From $15
Dec5SatArts & craftsSat, Dec 5 · 1:00 PM
Miniatures and Train Show at Vogt Visual Arts Center
Vogt Visual Arts Center
All ages
- Markets and festivals
Sat, Dec 5 · 5:00 PM
Parents' Night Out: Winter Wonderland — Northbrook
Techny Prairie Activity Center
From $35Ages 4–11
- Nutcracker and shows
Sat, Dec 5 · 12:00 PM
The Nutcracker 2026 — M3 Dance at the Hemmens
Hemmens Cultural Center
Paid
Dec6SunArts & craftsSun, Dec 6 · 3:00 PM
A Charlie Brown Christmas Jazz Tribute — Kid-Friendly Shows at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
From $38All ages
Dec6SunNutcracker and showsSun, Dec 6 · 2:00 PM
Grinch Public Skate — Skokie
Skatium Ice Arena
From $7All ages
Dec6SunCommunitySun, Dec 6 · 10:00 AM
Play For All — December Inclusive Museum Morning
Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
With admission
- Santa visits
Sun, Dec 6 · 4:45 PM
Holly Jolly Trolley to Visit Santa
Pioneer Park (check-in) and Arlington Lakes Golf Course
Paid
- Crafts and cookies
Sun, Dec 6 · 1:00 PM
The Great Chanukah Cookie Decorating Party — Northbrook
Northbrook Community Center
From $19
- Light displays
Wed, Dec 9 · 5:00 PM
8 Nights, 8 Lights Hanukkah Celebration — Skokie
Devonshire Cultural Center
From $10
- Santa visits
Thu, Dec 10 · 4:00 PM
Elf Meetup at Santa's Mailbox in Mallinckrodt Park — Wilmette
Mallinckrodt Park — Gazebo
Free
Dec11FriArts & craftsFri, Dec 11 · 6:00 PM
Children's Theater: Wax Museum — Tinley Park Performing Arts
Tinley Park Performing Arts
From $10
Dec11FriCommunityFri, Dec 11 · 6:00 PM
Jingle Bell Rock Family Dance — Tinley Park
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
From $15All ages
- Crafts and cookies
Fri, Dec 11 · 6:30 PM
Family Gingerbread House Decorating — Palatine
Birchwood Recreation Center
Paid
- Community
Fri, Dec 11 · 5:00 PM
Winter Wonderfest at Dvorak Park
Dvorak (Anton) Park
FreeAll ages
- Santa visits
Fri, Dec 11 · 6:00 PM
Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus — Northbrook Community Theatre
Northbrook Community Center — Northbrook Theatre
All ages
Dec12SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 12 · 8:30 AM
Breakfast & Lunch with Santa at Heritage Oaks — Northbrook
Heritage Oaks Golf Club
From $49
Dec12SatCommunitySat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM
Frostival at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
FreeAll ages
- Dec12SatSanta visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
Skate With Santa at the Skatium — Skokie
Skatium Ice Arena
From $7All ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 9:30 AM
Breakfast with Santa — Skokie Exploritorium
Exploritorium/Oakton Community Center
From $20All ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 11:00 AM
Cocoa, Cookies & Carols at Berger Park
Berger (Albert) Park
FreeAll ages
- Crafts and cookies
Sat, Dec 12 · 12:00 PM
Holiday Cookie Decorating for Teens — Skokie
Devonshire Cultural Center
From $29Ages 10–18
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 2:00 PM
Santa & S'mores at Commercial Club Park
Commercial Club Playground of Chicago
FreeAll ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 12 · 9:30 AM
Santa's Secret Workshop at Horner Park
Horner (Henry) Park
From $15
Dec13SunShows and exhibitionsSun, Dec 13 · 2:15 PM
'Tis the Season to Skate & Sparkle Ice Skating Exhibition at McFetridge
McFetridge Sports Center
From $5All ages
Dec13SunSports & playSun, Dec 13 · 1:30 PM
Holiday Skating Exhibition at Centennial Ice Rinks
Centennial Ice Rinks
FreeAll ages
- Markets and festivals
Sun, Dec 13 · 1:00 PM
Firehouse Winterfest at the Skokie Heritage Museum
Skokie Heritage Museum
From $5
- Santa visits
Wed, Dec 16 · 4:30 PM
Elves and Arrows Holiday Archery at Wilson Park
Wilson (Frank J.) Park
From $10
- Crafts and cookies
Thu, Dec 17 · 6:30 PM
Family Gingerbread House Decorating at the Exploritorium — Skokie
Oakton Community Center
From $25
Dec18FriSanta visitsFri, Dec 18 · 5:30 PM
Dinner with Santa at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Discovery Center
From $35
- Crafts and cookies
Fri, Dec 18 · 6:00 PM
Family Gingerbread House Decorating — Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
From $36
- Sports & play
Fri, Dec 18 · 7:15 PM
Ugly Sweater Public Ice Skate at the Skatium — Skokie
Skatium Ice Arena
From $7
Dec19SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 19 · 10:30 AM
Ho Ho Ho Holiday Breakfast with Santa — Tinley Park
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
From $23
- Dec19SatCommunity
Sat, Dec 19 · 6:00 PM
Naughty or Nice: All Ages Edition at Griffin MSI
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
All ages
Dec19SatSanta visitsSat, Dec 19 · 1:00 PM
Skate with Santa — Northbrook Sports Center
Northbrook Sports Center
From $7All ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 19 · 12:00 PM
Englewood with Santa at Sherwood Park
Sherwood (Jesse) Park
FreeAll ages
- Outdoors
Sat, Dec 19 · 6:30 PM
Glow Gnomes Campfire at Emily Oaks Nature Center
Emily Oaks Nature Center
From $7Ages 2+
- Community
Sat, Dec 19 · 12:00 PM
Holiday Celebration and Gift Giveaway at Franklin Park
Franklin (Benjamin) Park
FreeAll ages
- Santa visits
Sat, Dec 19 · 12:00 PM
Hot Chocolate with Santa at Bell Park
Bell (George, Jr.) Park
FreeAll ages
- Arts & crafts
Through Dec 20
Saturday Mimosa Brunch - Snow in Love
Bottle & Bottega - Chicago, IL - Lakeview
From $40All ages
- Sports & play
Sun, Dec 20 · 3:00 PM
Summer in December Pool Party — Tinley Fitness
Tinley Fitness
From $8
- Dec21MonSTEM & discovery
Mon, Dec 21 · 9:00 AM
Griffin MSI Winter Break Camps
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Paid
- Dec21MonSports & play
Mon, Dec 21 · 5:00 PM
Holiday Skating Exhibition 2026 at the Skatium — Skokie
Skatium Ice Arena
FreeAll ages
Dec21MonOutdoorsMon, Dec 21 · 9:30 AM
Winter Break Camp at Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Botanic Garden — Learning Center
Paid
- Arts & crafts
Mon, Dec 21 · 9:00 AM
Winter WonderCamp — Tinley Park
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
From $75
- Santa visits
Tue, Dec 22 · 4:00 PM
Swim with Santa at Mann Park
Mann (James) Park
FreeAll ages
Dec24ThuSanta visitsThu, Dec 24 · 11:00 AM
Skate with Santa — Wilmette
Centennial Ice Rinks
From $5All ages
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 10:30 AM
New Year's Eve at Noon Party at Lincoln Park Cultural Center
Lincoln Park - Cultural Center
From $5All ages
- Dec31ThuNew Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 4:30 PM
New Year's Eve at ZooLights
Lincoln Park Zoo
PaidAll ages
Dec31ThuNew Year’s EveThu, Dec 31 · 12:00 PM
New Year's Eve Skate — Wilmette
Centennial Ice Rinks
From $4All ages
- New Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 10:00 AM
Itty Bitty New Year at the Exploritorium — Skokie
Oakton Community Center
From $5
- New Year’s Eve
Thu, Dec 31 · 10:45 AM
Noon Year's Eve Ice Skate at the Skatium — Skokie
Skatium Ice Arena
From $7
- Outdoors
Mon, Jan 4 · 9:00 AM
Arctic Survival Challenge Day Camp — Emily Oaks Nature Center
Emily Oaks Nature Center
From $55Ages 6–10
- Sports & play
Sat, Jan 9 · 10:00 AM
Toddler Rave — Tinley Park
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
From $15
Places and ongoing programs
OngoingprogramSTEM & discoveryRecurring / by appointment
’Scopes at the Adler
Adler Planetarium
With admissionAll ages
OngoingprogramSports & playRecurring / by appointment
Actors Gymnasium Youth Circus Arts
The Actors Gymnasium
From $495
OngoingprogramSTEM & discoveryRecurring / by appointment
Astronomy Conversations
Adler Planetarium
With admissionAll ages
OngoingprogramArts & craftsRecurring / by appointment
Chicago Actors Studio Kids and Teen Acting Classes
Chicago Actors Studio
From $315Ages 8–17
VisitanytimeSports & playVisit on your schedule
Chicago Children's Museum — Play and Tinker
Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier
From $21
- PublicskatingOutdoor rinks
Visit on your schedule
Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park
Parkway Bank Park
FreeAll ages
OngoingprogramSports & playRecurring / by appointment
First Ascent Teen Climbing Club
First Ascent Climbing and Fitness
From $425Ages 14+
VisitanytimeSTEM & discoveryVisit on your schedule
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — Family Science Visit
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Paid
OngoingprogramArts & craftsRecurring / by appointment
Kids Clay Room Handbuilding and Wheelthrowing Classes
Kids Clay Room
PaidAges 5+
OngoingprogramLearn to skateRecurring / by appointment
Learn to Skate USA Ice Skating Classes at Northbrook Sports Center
Northbrook Sports Center
Paid
OngoingprogramArts & craftsRecurring / by appointment
Lillstreet Kidstreet Art Classes and Camps
Lillstreet Art Center
PaidAges 3+
OngoingprogramArts & craftsRecurring / by appointment
Making It SewFun Youth and Teen Sewing
Making It SewFun
From $225
OngoingprogramSTEM & discoveryRecurring / by appointment
Malott Family Penguin Encounter
Lincoln Park Zoo — Robert & Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove
From $80Ages 6+
OngoingprogramSports & playRecurring / by appointment
Movement Lincoln Park Youth Climbing Teams
Movement Lincoln Park
From $190Ages 6–18
OngoingprogramArts & craftsRecurring / by appointment
Open Arts Youth Classes — Hyde Park Art Center
Hyde Park Art Center
With admissionAges 4–13
OngoingprogramSTEM & discoveryRecurring / by appointment
Operation Airlift — School and Youth-Group Engineering Competition
Adler Planetarium
OngoingprogramCookingRecurring / by appointment
Oui Chef Kids and Teen Culinary Classes
Oui Chef Chicago
PaidUp to 18
OngoingprogramArts & craftsRecurring / by appointment
Pottery Studio Kids and Teens Pottery Workshops
Pottery Studio Chicago
PaidAges 3+
PublicskatingPublic skatingVisit on your schedule
Public Ice Skating at Blackhawks Ice Center
Blackhawks Ice Center
From $10All ages
- PublicskatingPublic skating
Visit on your schedule
Public Skating at Skatium Ice Arena — Skokie
Skatium Ice Arena
From $7All ages
OngoingprogramCookingRecurring / by appointment
Schoolhouse Wicker Park Cooking Classes and Day-Off Camps
Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio
Paid
VisitanytimeSTEM & discoveryVisit on your schedule
Shedd Aquarium — Family Aquatic Discovery
Shedd Aquarium
Paid
OngoingprogramCookingRecurring / by appointment
The Chopping Block Kids and Teen Cooking Programs
The Chopping Block
PaidAges 7–17
OngoingprogramSports & playRecurring / by appointment
Ultimate Ninjas Chicago Kids Ninja Camps
Ultimate Ninjas Chicago
From $55Ages 5–14
OngoingprogramSTEM & discoveryRecurring / by appointment
What's On The Menu? Animal Feeding Time at River Trail
River Trail Nature Center
Free
OngoingprogramSTEM & discoveryRecurring / by appointment
Wildlife Connections at River Trail Nature Center
River Trail Nature Center
FreeAll ages
- STEM & discovery
Recurring / by appointment
BitSpace Fall 2026 Family Maker Classes
BitSpace
PaidAges 9+
- Cooking
Recurring / by appointment
Kidz Can Cook Children’s Cooking Classes
Kidz Can Cook
PaidAges 5+
- Public skating
Visit on your schedule
Northbrook Sports Center Ice Rinks
Northbrook Sports Center
All ages
- Cooking
Recurring / by appointment
Oui Chef Weekly Cooking Classes
Oui Chef
From $160Up to 15
- Public skating
Visit on your schedule
Public Ice Skating at Robert Crown Community Center — Evanston
Robert Crown Community Center
From $6
- Arts & crafts
Recurring / by appointment
School of Rock Chicago Youth Band and Music Programs
School of Rock Chicago
PaidAges 4–18
- Arts & crafts
Recurring / by appointment
Teen Ceramics — Hyde Park Art Center
Hyde Park Art Center
Free
- Outdoors
Recurring / by appointment
Teen Placemaking at North Park Village
North Park Village Nature Center
FreeAges 14–16
Recently ended
- Community
EndedPast · Oct 23 · 6:00 PM
Daddy Daughter Date Night: Ties & Tiaras — Mount Prospect
Friendship Park Conservatory
From $30Ages 4–12
- Community
EndedPast · Oct 23 · 5:30 PM
Eugene Field Monster Bash
Eugene Field Park
From $3All ages
Oct23FriSports & playEndedPast · Oct 23 · 6:30 PM
Fright on Ice at Ridgeland Common
Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex
Oct23FriSports & playEndedPast · Oct 23 · 6:00 PM
Halloween 3K Fun Run/Walk — Northbrook
Techny Prairie Park & Fields
From $15All ages
- Oct23FriSpooky and haunted
EndedPast · Oct 23 · 3:00 PM
Kelvyn Halloween Monster Mash Party
Kelvyn Park
FreeAll ages
Oct23FriTrick-or-treatEndedPast · Oct 23 · 5:30 PM
Trunk or Treat at Ridgeland Common — Oak Park
Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex
All ages
- STEM & discovery
EndedPast · Oct 22 · 3:30 PM
Solar Punk Pizza Party — Grades 6–8
North Park Village Nature Center
Free
- Pumpkins and patches
EndedPast · Oct 21 · 6:30 PM
Family Halloween Pumpkin Carving at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum
Arlington Heights Historical Museum
From $36
Oct21WedArts & craftsEndedPast · Oct 21 · 11:00 AM
Observational Drawing Using Unusual Specimens
Field Museum
With admissionAll ages
- Outdoors
EndedPast · Oct 18 · 10:00 AM
Fall Festival at River Trail Nature Center
River Trail Nature Center
FreeAll ages
- Pumpkins and patches
EndedPast · Oct 18 · 1:00 PM
Pumpkin Splash at Arlington Ridge Center
Arlington Ridge Center (ARC)
PaidAges 2–7
- Trick-or-treat
EndedPast · Oct 18 · 2:00 PM
Trunk or Treat at Addams Park
Addams (Jane) Park
Free
A county page lists the county’s own addresses (by ZIP code, from the Census Bureau’s ZIP-to-county file); pages appear in our sitemap once a county has 10 or more current listings.