# Thanksgiving break with kids in Chicago

> 79 Thanksgiving parades, turkey trots, break camps and things to do with kids in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area over Thanksgiving break 2026, each linked to the organizer’s own page with the date we last checked it.

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 2, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/chicago/thanksgiving

Towns with listings: Chicago (14), St. Charles (4), Arlington Heights (3), Crown Point (3), Joliet (3), Elk Grove Village (2), Highland Park (2), Lake Villa (2), Naperville (2), Northbrook (2), Oak Park (2), Vernon Hills (2), Wheaton (2), Winnetka (2), Woodstock (2), Aurora (1), Batavia (1), Chesterton (1), Crystal Lake (1), DeKalb (1), Elmwood Park (1), Geneva (1), Glencoe (1), Glenview (1), Glenwood (1), Hinsdale (1), Lake Forest (1), Libertyville (1), Lincolnwood (1), Long Grove (1), Morris (1), Mount Prospect (1), Oak Lawn (1), Oakbrook Terrace (1), Palatine (1), Plainfield (1), River Forest (1), Saint Charles (1), Shorewood (1), Skokie (1), Union (1), Valparaiso (1), Waukegan (1), Westmont (1), Wheeling (1), Winfield (1).

## Quick answers

### Where is there a turkey trot for kids near Chicago?

16 listings, the soonest 4: [27th Annual Turkey Trot — Waukegan](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/27th-annual-turkey-trot-waukegan--listing-dc249516bb3ca8621b5b2547) (Sat, Nov 14, Free); [Kids Night Out: Gobble Gobble Fun — Naperville](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/kids-night-out-gobble-gobble-fun-naperville--listing-54dcf5384db21e7ecb233daa) (Fri, Nov 20); [Lincolnwood Turkey Trot and Kids' Drumstick Dash](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/lincolnwood-turkey-trot-and-kids-drumstick-dash--listing-896978d5c4a40c74b5bf19b8) (Sun, Nov 22, From $26); [5K Turkey Trot Family Tradition — Elmwood Park](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/5k-turkey-trot-family-tradition-elmwood-park--listing-7d16ee463cbb1a01758c2e88) (Thu, Nov 26, From $40).

### What free Thanksgiving break events are there for kids in Chicago?

17 listings, the soonest 4: [27th Annual Turkey Trot — Waukegan](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/27th-annual-turkey-trot-waukegan--listing-dc249516bb3ca8621b5b2547) (Sat, Nov 14, Free); [Thanksgiving with the Plum Creek Critters](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-with-the-plum-creek-critters--listing-ffc27fb548b975b6569021dc) (Sun, Nov 22, Free); [92nd Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on State Street](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/92nd-chicago-thanksgiving-parade-on-state-street--listing-2a0327c00dffe53b309a4f0d) (Thu, Nov 26, Free); [Annual Turkey Trot Hike at Trailside Museum](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/annual-turkey-trot-hike-at-trailside-museum--listing-d0ba6fa31282f44b17af5e36) (Fri, Nov 27, Free).

### Which Thanksgiving break events suit toddlers and young kids in Chicago?

4 listings: [Little Chef Makes Lunch: Thanksgiving — Vernon Hills](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/little-chef-makes-lunch-thanksgiving-vernon-hills--listing-f8492b47ecc1aafce19c37bc) (Mon, Nov 16); [Little Turkeys Thanksgiving Night — Vernon Hills](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/little-turkeys-thanksgiving-night-vernon-hills--listing-5c2a3be4dc4454ceb4d5efee) (Mon, Nov 16); [Lincolnwood Turkey Trot and Kids' Drumstick Dash](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/lincolnwood-turkey-trot-and-kids-drumstick-dash--listing-896978d5c4a40c74b5bf19b8) (Sun, Nov 22, From $26); [Hoops4Health Thanksgiving Break Camp — Winnetka Community House](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/hoops4health-thanksgiving-break-camp-winnetka-community-house--listing-e4fb78a47a5918d4cf4b0368) (Tue, Nov 24, From $39).

## Ongoing programs

### Around the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area (1)

- [Thanksgiving Break Camp — Wheeling Park District](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-break-camp-wheeling-park-district--listing-7d8c6ecb3ee13a2eb4b45283) — Ongoing · Wheeling Park District Community Recreation Center · From $120 · checked Oct 30. Supervised games, sports and activities at the Community Recreation Center and Heritage Playground, with pool time on some days, Monday–Wednesday of Thanksgiving week. Book the…

## Dated events

### Chicago (14)

- [Family Fun: Color a Turkey Mask (McKinley Park Branch)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/family-fun-color-a-turkey-mask-mckinley-park-branch--listing-c87547cb32007f09e96314ce) — Tue, Nov 10 · 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Chicago Public Library — McKinley Park · Ages 3–13 · checked Oct 30. Weekly family drop-in at the library; this week kids color a turkey mask to get ready for Thanksgiving.
- [Kids Snacktivity: Candy Corn Turkey (Avalon Branch)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/kids-snacktivity-candy-corn-turkey-avalon-branch--listing-7eae828e7767fa7a3ba97083) — Tue, Nov 10 · 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Chicago Public Library — Avalon · Ages 6–13 · checked Oct 30. Drop in to build a sweet candy-corn turkey treat ahead of Thanksgiving.
- [Science Is Fun: Turkey Balloon Races (Edgewater Branch)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/science-is-fun-turkey-balloon-races-edgewater-branch--listing-ba91cd48d57f797eff600ad2) — Thu, Nov 19 · 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Chicago Public Library — Edgewater · Ages 6–13 · checked Oct 30. A Thanksgiving-themed physics activity: kids decorate turkey balloons with feathers and craft materials, then race them.
- [Grab and Go Kits: Thanksgiving Craft (Canaryville Branch)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/grab-and-go-kits-thanksgiving-craft-canaryville-branch--listing-5f2fb5be9e3a2359e0d47bec) — Sat, Nov 21 · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Chicago Public Library — Canaryville · Ages 3–13 · checked Oct 30. Pick up a Thanksgiving craft to make in the branch or take home, while supplies last.
- [Griffin MSI Fall Break Camps](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/griffin-msi-fall-break-camps--listing-4112d941903182c135a8fc24) — Mon, Nov 23 (+2 more dates) · 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Griffin Museum of Science and Industry · From $300 · checked Oct 16. Griffin MSI's three-day fall break camp runs Monday to Wednesday of Thanksgiving week, November 23–25, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two tracks are offered: Mini Fall Makers for…
- [STEMsgiving: Thanksgiving Turkey Balloon Rockets (Edgebrook Branch)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/stemsgiving-thanksgiving-turkey-balloon-rockets-edgebrook-branch--listing-f1af88a1d69eab78fc13131c) — Mon, Nov 23 · 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Chicago Public Library — Edgebrook · Ages 6–13 · checked Oct 30. A Thanksgiving twist on science: kids turn balloons into turkeys and launch them down a string track to explore Newton's Third Law.
- [Thanksgiving Crafts (Jeffery Manor Branch)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-crafts-jeffery-manor-branch--listing-76dc1f2be4f4781c6183b761) — Mon, Nov 23 · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Chicago Public Library — Jeffery Manor · Ages 6–13 · checked Oct 30. Kids make colorful projects inspired by fall leaves, turkeys and the holiday on the Monday of Thanksgiving week.
- [Sensory-Friendly Night at ZooLights](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/sensory-friendly-night-at-zoolights--listing-971750bd9f26afa7f8418b68) — Tue, Nov 24 · 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Lincoln Park Zoo · All ages · From $7 · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 27. Lincoln Park Zoo sets aside one evening of ZooLights for visitors who find the regular light show overwhelming. On this night every blinking or moving light is made static or…
- [Thanksgiving Rock Painting (Jeffery Manor Branch)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-rock-painting-jeffery-manor-branch--listing-8fcf1a5e785c735e5317ecfa) — Tue, Nov 24 · 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM · Chicago Public Library — Jeffery Manor · Ages 6–13 · checked Oct 30. Kids paint their own Thanksgiving rocks with turkeys, leaves and pumpkins.
- [92nd Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on State Street](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/92nd-chicago-thanksgiving-parade-on-state-street--listing-2a0327c00dffe53b309a4f0d) — Thu, Nov 26 · State Street, the Loop (Ida B. Wells Dr. to Randolph St.) · All ages · Free · checked Oct 30. Chicago's Thanksgiving morning parade steps off at Ida B. Wells Drive and heads north up State Street to Randolph, past the Chicago Theatre marquee, with marching bands…
- [Chi Town Turkey Trot 5K/10K & Kids Dash — DuSable Harbor](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/chi-town-turkey-trot-5k-10k-and-kids-dash-dusable-harbor--listing-55800d6c9bbe702f8994da5e) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:45 AM – 10:50 AM · DuSable Harbor · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 24. All Community Events stages the 16th annual Chi Town Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, starting and finishing at DuSable Harbor on the lakefront. A Kids…
- [Life Time Turkey Trot Chicago 5K/8K and Plymouth Rock Ramble Kids Race](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/life-time-turkey-trot-chicago-5k-8k-and-plymouth-rock-ramble-kids-race--listing-daa7e23ce46dc46e77aa1272) — Thu, Nov 26 · 9:00 AM · Diversey Harbor, Lincoln Park (start on Cannon Dr. just south of Diversey Pkwy) · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. The 48th annual Thanksgiving morning trot along the Lincoln Park lakefront benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Adults run or walk a 5K or 8K at 9:00 am, and little ones…
- [Wintrust Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier 2026–2027](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/wintrust-winter-wonderfest-at-navy-pier-2026-2027--listing-61d285cc19f26142ae1390e3) — Fri, Nov 27 (+31 more dates) · 10:00 AM · Navy Pier — Festival Hall · All ages · From $27 · checked Oct 21. Navy Pier turns Festival Hall into an indoor holiday playground for Wintrust Winter WonderFest, open from Friday, November 27, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027. Families buy…
- [Lincoln Square Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/lincoln-square-annual-tree-lighting-ceremony--listing-8dca42a8b8e2a8e372476cdb) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM · Giddings Plaza · All ages · checked Oct 30. The Lincoln Square–Ravenswood neighborhood lights its tree in Giddings Plaza after Small Business Saturday shopping: a 5:00 pm pre-show, then the lighting at 5:30 pm. Hot cider…

### St. Charles (4)

- [St. Charles Turkey Trot 5K & Kids' Dash](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/st-charles-turkey-trot-5k-and-kids-dash--listing-5604ded5eb56aaba533b8079) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:45 AM – 9:30 AM · St. Charles North High School · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 24. The 4th annual St. Charles Turkey Trot, run by All Community Events, starts and finishes at St. Charles North High School on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26. A 100-meter…
- [Holiday Homecoming Lighting of the Lights — St. Charles](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/holiday-homecoming-lighting-of-the-lights-st-charles--listing-e3bb230c9604ca2df705011a) — Fri, Nov 27 · 5:00 PM · 1st Street Plaza, St. Charles · Free · checked Oct 21. St. Charles switches on its downtown holiday lights on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. on the 1st Street Plaza by the Fox River. The Lighting…
- [Santa's Cottage Visits — St. Charles 1st Street Plaza](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/santa-s-cottage-visits-st-charles-1st-street-plaza--listing-2a7ef0448deec77b047c325e) — Sat, Nov 28 (+7 more dates) · 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Santa's Cottage, 1st Street Plaza, St. Charles · Free · checked Oct 21. Santa sets up in his cottage on the 1st Street Plaza in downtown St. Charles every Saturday and Sunday from November 28 through December 20, 2026, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visits are…
- [St. Charles Electric Christmas Parade](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/st-charles-electric-christmas-parade--listing-4fdb639fca5bc33fe143f732) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:30 PM · Main Street, downtown St. Charles (6th Street to 4th Avenue) · Free · checked Oct 21. The Electric Christmas Parade is the Saturday centerpiece of St. Charles Holiday Homecoming, the downtown celebration the St. Charles Business Alliance runs the weekend after…

### Arlington Heights (3)

- [Tween Turkey Parachute Flight Lab — Arlington Heights Memorial Library](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/tween-turkey-parachute-flight-lab-arlington-heights-memorial-library--listing-e505140449eed0dc7484f242) — Wed, Nov 25 · 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM · Arlington Heights Memorial Library · checked Oct 30. Kids in grades 4-6 design, build and test a parachute to help a tiny turkey escape Thanksgiving dinner using the library's flight lab tube. Register the child only; an adult is…
- [Arlington Heights Turkey Trot and Kids Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/arlington-heights-turkey-trot-and-kids-fun-run--listing-f369d1bedbcf9623a8184bc1) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:30 AM · South Middle School, Arlington Heights · All ages · From $10 · checked Oct 30. A donation-based Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk from South Middle School that benefits the Wheeling Township Food Pantry. The kids' fun run goes off first at 8:30 am, the…
- [Arlington Heights Holiday Tree Lighting](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/arlington-heights-holiday-tree-lighting--listing-77d5819e0d3dc071165d7c93) — Fri, Nov 27 · 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM · North School Park, Arlington Heights · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. Arlington Heights kicks off the holidays on Friday, November 27, with its annual tree lighting at North School Park, hosted by the park district and the village's Special Events…

### Crown Point (3)

- [Tank & Tree Lighting — Crown Point](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/tank-and-tree-lighting-crown-point--listing-e39ddbeda4c863da1584e56d) — Fri, Nov 27 · 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM · Historic Lake County Courthouse (east side steps), Crown Point · All ages · checked Oct 27. Mayor Peter Land and the City of Crown Point open the holiday season downtown with two back-to-back lighting ceremonies on the evening after Thanksgiving. The Tank Lighting comes…
- [Photos with Santa at the Historic Lake County Courthouse — Crown Point](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/photos-with-santa-at-the-historic-lake-county-courthouse-crown-point--listing-1845b49d5baf2cc619bf5c77) — Sat, Nov 28 (+8 more dates) · 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Historic Lake County Courthouse — Lower Level, Crown Point · checked Oct 27. The City of Crown Point sets Santa up in the lower level of the historic Lake County Courthouse on the downtown square for photo visits on weekend afternoons through December…
- [Santa Parade and Helicopter Arrival — Crown Point](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/santa-parade-and-helicopter-arrival-crown-point--listing-f68bbf05b162b59458d2751f) — Sat, Nov 28 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Pointe Plaza, Crown Point · checked Oct 27. Crown Point's Santa Parade begins with Santa arriving by helicopter, provided by the Lake County Sheriff's Department, at Pointe Plaza on North Main Street on the Saturday after…

### Joliet (3)

- [Light Up the Holidays Festival & Parade — Downtown Joliet](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/light-up-the-holidays-festival-and-parade-downtown-joliet--listing-288159c760385c4c72e3fe75) — Fri, Nov 27 · 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM · Downtown Joliet (Chicago Street) · All ages · checked Oct 30. An afternoon of holiday fun downtown on the day after Thanksgiving, ending with the tree lighting and fireworks at 5:00 pm and the lighted parade at 5:30 pm. Kids 11 and under…
- [Littlest Elves Ceramics Workshop](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/littlest-elves-ceramics-workshop--listing-f9a084696e72eacf76caa219) — Fri, Nov 27 (+1 more date) · 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Pilcher Park Nature Center, Joliet · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 16. Over Thanksgiving weekend, Pilcher Park Nature Center becomes a ceramics studio: pick an unfinished ceramic piece, paint it, and staff will fire it and call when it is ready for…
- [Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair with Santa — Joliet](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/holiday-craft-and-vendor-fair-with-santa-joliet--listing-97c9d9e57c9008e02c7091f2) — Sat, Nov 28 · 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center, Joliet · All ages · From $1 · checked Oct 16. On Small Business Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Kathy Green Multi-Purpose Center hosts more than 60 crafters and vendors, with raffles and bake sales. Santa…

### Other towns in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin area (51)

- [27th Annual Turkey Trot — Waukegan](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/27th-annual-turkey-trot-waukegan--listing-dc249516bb3ca8621b5b2547) — Sat, Nov 14 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Waukegan's Greg Petry SportsPark · Free · checked Oct 20. Waukegan's long-running Turkey Trot on Saturday, November 14 at the Greg Petry SportsPark has races for every age, from toddlers to seniors: age groups run from 13–23 months…
- [Turkey-ly Awesome at Rosewood Beach](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/turkey-ly-awesome-at-rosewood-beach--listing-e9e12f3a0edf5b8cf3911324) — Sun, Nov 15 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center, Highland Park · All ages · From $14 · checked Oct 16. Just before Thanksgiving, families learn about the wild turkey at Rosewood Beach Interpretive Center on Sunday, November 15, from 10 to 11 a.m., including why Ben Franklin…
- [Little Chef Makes Lunch: Thanksgiving — Vernon Hills](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/little-chef-makes-lunch-thanksgiving-vernon-hills--listing-f8492b47ecc1aafce19c37bc) — Mon, Nov 16 · 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM · Sullivan Community Center, Vernon Hills · Ages 3–5 · checked Oct 20. In this hands-on preschool cooking class at the Sullivan Community Center, children ages 3 to 5 learn basic cooking skills and kitchen safety while preparing their own lunch. The…
- [Little Turkeys Thanksgiving Night — Vernon Hills](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/little-turkeys-thanksgiving-night-vernon-hills--listing-5c2a3be4dc4454ceb4d5efee) — Mon, Nov 16 · 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM · Sullivan Community Center, Vernon Hills · Ages 2–4 · checked Oct 20. Toddlers ages 2 to 4 and a grown-up spend an evening of Thanksgiving-themed crafts and treats together at the Sullivan Community Center on Monday, November 16 from 5:15 to 6:15…
- [Kids Night Out: Gobble Gobble Fun — Naperville](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/kids-night-out-gobble-gobble-fun-naperville--listing-54dcf5384db21e7ecb233daa) — Fri, Nov 20 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Fort Hill Activity Center, Naperville · checked Oct 30. A drop-off evening for kids with Thanksgiving-themed games and activities, plus dinner and juice, at the Fort Hill Activity Center childcare space.
- [Turkey Shoot Free Throw Contest — Northbrook](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/turkey-shoot-free-throw-contest-northbrook--listing-ccafcf891f5ef0a70ddfc3aa) — Fri, Nov 20 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Techny Prairie Activity Center, Northbrook · From $9 · checked Oct 20. At the sixth annual Turkey Shoot Free Throw Contest each participant shoots 15 free throws, competing within an age division at the Techny Prairie Activity Center on Friday…
- [Splish Splash Family Night — Thanksgiving Edition](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/splish-splash-family-night-thanksgiving-edition--listing-fbf114ab24aa5af882999151) — Sat, Nov 21 · 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Vaughan Athletic Center, Aurora · All ages · From $13 · checked Oct 16. The Vaughan Athletic Center's indoor water park hosts a family swim night on Saturday, November 21, 5:30–7:30 p.m., with water slides, an inflatable obstacle course, splash…
- [Turkey Hoops: Skills Challenge — Oak Lawn](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/turkey-hoops-skills-challenge-oak-lawn--listing-e80230ca0b988c3a853e7663) — Sat, Nov 21 · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Community Pavilion (Oak Lawn Park District) · checked Oct 27. The Oak Lawn Park District's Thanksgiving-week basketball event at the Community Pavilion, a new and expanded version of its Turkey Shoot Challenge. The main event is the…
- [Lincolnwood Turkey Trot and Kids' Drumstick Dash](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/lincolnwood-turkey-trot-and-kids-drumstick-dash--listing-896978d5c4a40c74b5bf19b8) — Sun, Nov 22 · 8:45 AM – 10:30 AM · Proesel Park, Lincolnwood · Up to 6 · From $26 · checked Oct 30. Lincolnwood's chip-timed 5K and 10K, plus a 5K fitness walk, loop through the village from Proesel Park on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Children six and under run the…
- [Thanksgiving for Nature Scavenger Hunt at Hastings Lake](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-for-nature-scavenger-hunt-at-hastings-lake--listing-c0a9646a474f8c954ec8797f) — Sun, Nov 22 · 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Hastings Lake Forest Preserve — Shelter A, Lake Villa · From $5 · checked Oct 20. Families search a designated area of Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa for flagged clues about the gifts we receive from nature on Sunday, November 22. The hunt is…
- [Thanksgiving with the Plum Creek Critters](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-with-the-plum-creek-critters--listing-ffc27fb548b975b6569021dc) — Sun, Nov 22 · 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM · Plum Creek Nature Center · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. A pre-Thanksgiving visit with the resident animals of Plum Creek Nature Center on Sunday, November 22, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Families learn about the center's animals, including…
- [Wolfpack 5K: The Great Turkey Chase — Crystal Lake](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/wolfpack-5k-the-great-turkey-chase-crystal-lake--listing-dd6728115c6db7f3decbcfa8) — Sun, Nov 22 · 10:00 AM · Prairie Ridge High School, Crystal Lake · All ages · From $45 · checked Oct 30. An inaugural 5K run/walk from Prairie Ridge High School through the Squaw Creek neighborhood, where runners try to finish ahead of the costumed 'poult' for an extra prize. Kids…
- [School Day Off Camp at Chicago Botanic Garden — Festive Fall](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/school-day-off-camp-at-chicago-botanic-garden-festive-fall--listing-e308557603d8c606fbc3bb86) — Mon, Nov 23 (+1 more date) · 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM · Chicago Botanic Garden — Learning Center, Glencoe · Paid · checked Oct 16. During Thanksgiving week, the Chicago Botanic Garden runs single-day camps for kids in grades K–4 on Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Under…
- [Thanksgiving Showdown Indoor Soccer Tournament — Mount Prospect](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-showdown-indoor-soccer-tournament-mount-prospect--listing-151f9920284bf2a3943258ce) — Mon, Nov 23 (+2 more dates) · 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Central Community Center, Mount Prospect · From $75 · checked Oct 20. The Mount Prospect Park District runs a fast-paced indoor soccer tournament on the turf at the Central Community Center during Thanksgiving week, with one day per grade band…
- [Hoops4Health Thanksgiving Break Camp — Winnetka Community House](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/hoops4health-thanksgiving-break-camp-winnetka-community-house--listing-e4fb78a47a5918d4cf4b0368) — Tue, Nov 24 · 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM · Winnetka Community House · Ages 5–8 · From $39 · checked Oct 30. A one-hour basketball session for ages 5–8 on the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week at the Winnetka Community House.
- [School Day Off Open Gym — Westmont](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/school-day-off-open-gym-westmont--listing-223433436be961e9ccb50799) — Wed, Nov 25 (+7 more dates) · 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Westmont Community Center · checked Oct 20. On school days off, including Thanksgiving week and winter break, the Westmont Park District opens the gym at the Westmont Community Center from 10 am to 1 pm. Kids can bring a…
- [Thanksgiving LEGO Party — Northbrook](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-lego-party-northbrook--listing-4f9ba29b13fa99c2e89680dc) — Wed, Nov 25 · 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM · Northbrook Community Center · From $39 · checked Oct 20. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, students build ships, UFOs, planes, cars and anything else they imagine from more than 100 pounds of LEGO bricks at the Northbrook Community…
- [Thanksgiving Turkey Basketball Toss — Skokie](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thanksgiving-turkey-basketball-toss-skokie--listing-132038dfe18e70633844332f) — Wed, Nov 25 · 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM · Weber Leisure Center, Skokie · Ages 6–17 · From $5 · checked Oct 24. A parent-child basketball shooting contest at Weber Leisure Center the day before Thanksgiving. Children ages 6–17 and their parents or guardians take timed shots from marked…
- [5K Turkey Trot Family Tradition — Elmwood Park](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/5k-turkey-trot-family-tradition-elmwood-park--listing-7d16ee463cbb1a01758c2e88) — Thu, Nov 26 · 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM · Healthy Happy Body (start/finish), Elmwood Park · All ages · From $40 · checked Oct 30. A casual seventh-annual Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk with a kids' 5K and a 1-mile walk, built for families: strollers, costumes and dogs are welcome. It starts and ends on…
- [Long Grove Turkey Trot & Kids Dash](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/long-grove-turkey-trot-and-kids-dash--listing-ec60921e9b5a3aa63b275798) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM · Historic Downtown Long Grove · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 24. The 19th annual Long Grove Turkey Trot, run by All Community Events, takes over historic downtown Long Grove on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26. The Kids Dash starts at…
- [Naperville Noon Lions Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/naperville-noon-lions-turkey-trot-5k-run-walk--listing-d48b9dba04cb92804e5cede6) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM · Naperville Central High School · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. The Noon Lions Club's Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk starts and ends on Hillside Road by Naperville Central High School, with proceeds going to local vision, hearing and…
- [North Shore Turkey Trot Kids' Trot — Highland Park](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/north-shore-turkey-trot-kids-trot-highland-park--listing-43e2ad10e217137f8fee7268) — Thu, Nov 26 · 10:00 AM · Downtown Highland Park — St. Johns Avenue north of Elm Street (Kids' Trot start) · Ages 2–10 · Paid · checked Oct 21. Highland Park's North Shore Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026, includes a Kids' Trot alongside the 5K and 10K. Children race by age group, all…
- [Palatine Turkey Trot & Sammy Scurry Kids' Run](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/palatine-turkey-trot-and-sammy-scurry-kids-run--listing-becaf63d47c0cadc7fe0f916) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM · Harper College, Palatine · From $10 · checked Oct 24. The Palatine Park District's 46th annual Thanksgiving-morning Turkey Trot runs from Harper College with three options: an approximately 2-mile race at 8 a.m., an approximately…
- [Thornton Turkey Trot 1-Mile Kids Race and Community 5K — Glenwood](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/thornton-turkey-trot-1-mile-kids-race-and-community-5k-glenwood--listing-690fca390df7114b375d069c) — Thu, Nov 26 · 9:00 AM · 183rd St & Cottage Grove Ave (Thornton Turkey Trot start), Glenwood · Up to 14 · From $15 · checked Oct 30. Illinois' oldest turkey trot (58th year) holds a 1-mile kids race for 8th grade and younger, alongside a 1-mile community walk, at 9:00 am on Thanksgiving morning; the community…
- [Winnetka Turkey Trot with Family Division](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/winnetka-turkey-trot-with-family-division--listing-c27d09eff44c6d03e0df5bfd) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM · Winnetka Train Station (Green Bay Trail) · All ages · From $35 · checked Oct 30. A rolling-start Thanksgiving morning trot on the Green Bay Trail, starting and finishing at the Winnetka train station this year. The 9:00 am Family Division wave is a relaxed…
- [A Christmas Carol for Young Audiences — Drury Lane Theatre 2026](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/a-christmas-carol-for-young-audiences-drury-lane-theatre-2026--listing-3c405916ce8131caa24bd987) — Nov 27 – Dec 26 · Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Terrace · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 21. Drury Lane Theatre's Theatre for Young Audiences series presents a one-hour staging of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol from November 27 through December 26, 2026, at the…
- [Annual Turkey Trot Hike at Trailside Museum](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/annual-turkey-trot-hike-at-trailside-museum--listing-d0ba6fa31282f44b17af5e36) — Fri, Nov 27 · 1:30 PM · Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest · All ages · Free · checked Oct 20. The day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27, Trailside Museum of Natural History in River Forest leads its annual Turkey Trot Hike at 1:30 pm. It is a relaxed, free walk…
- [Elk Grove Village Holiday Tree Lighting with Fireworks and Santa](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/elk-grove-village-holiday-tree-lighting-with-fireworks-and-santa--listing-3b67ff9358b6162aeb70c2f3) — Fri, Nov 27 · 4:00 PM · Elk Grove Village Green (Municipal Complex) · All ages · checked Oct 30. Refreshments, storytime with the Village Board, Elk Grove Express rides and carolers on the Village Green from 4 pm, then the tree and more than 500,000 lights go on at 5:30 pm…
- [Festival of Lights & Tree Sale at Cosley Zoo](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/festival-of-lights-and-tree-sale-at-cosley-zoo--listing-55eaaafc52f66e78892d92da) — Nov 27 – Dec 30 · 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM · Cosley Zoo, Wheaton · All ages · Free · checked Oct 28. Cosley Zoo in Wheaton becomes a winter wonderland for the holidays, with thousands of twinkling lights (switched on at 3 p.m.), Christmas trees, wreaths and greenery for sale…
- [Free Movie: The Santa Clause at the Egyptian Theatre](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/free-movie-the-santa-clause-at-the-egyptian-theatre--listing-1b140ee2f0eece3d12949878) — Fri, Nov 27 · 11:00 AM · Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb · Free · checked Oct 20. The Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb kicks off the holiday season with a free big-screen showing of the Christmas comedy The Santa Clause on Friday, November 27, the day after…
- [Grinch N' Greet at the Old Courthouse — Woodstock](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/grinch-n-greet-at-the-old-courthouse-woodstock--listing-ec270a30901e408e49f73d24) — Fri, Nov 27 · 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM · Old Courthouse Center — Upper Floor, Woodstock · All ages · Free · checked Oct 27. Before Woodstock's Lighting of the Square, the city turns the upper floor of the Old Courthouse Center into Whoville, where children can meet the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. The…
- [Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/happy-holiday-railway-at-the-illinois-railway-museum--listing-c36bbdc6ae8fda5a4751b82e) — Fri, Nov 27 (+9 more dates) · 11:30 AM · Illinois Railway Museum, Union · All ages · From $25 · checked Oct 20. The Illinois Railway Museum in Union runs its Happy Holiday Railway on ten dates in 2026: Friday through Sunday, November 27 to 29, the weekends of December 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20…
- [Home for the Holidays Lighted Parade — Morris](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/home-for-the-holidays-lighted-parade-morris--listing-bcff44afb78cb766abd1fd8a) — Nov 27 – Nov 29 · 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM · Downtown Morris — parade route from Washington & Franklin Streets to Chapin Park · All ages · Free · checked Oct 27. The City of Morris presents Home for the Holidays, a three-day downtown celebration from November 27 to 29, 2026. It opens on Friday, November 27, with the Lighted Holiday…
- [Kohlights Holiday Lightacular](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/kohlights-holiday-lightacular--listing-95c99340bffb24a05c4c3853) — Nov 27 – Dec 20 · 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM · Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview · Paid · checked Oct 16. Kohl Children's Museum's Kohlights is an interactive indoor/outdoor holiday light experience designed for young children, running on select evenings from November 27 to December…
- [Lake Forest Tree Lighting Holiday Celebration (42nd Annual)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/lake-forest-tree-lighting-holiday-celebration-42nd-annual--listing-675f86fb4d926f0dfd5476d3) — Fri, Nov 27 · 3:00 PM · Market Square, Lake Forest · All ages · checked Oct 30. Market Square fills the day after Thanksgiving with kids' activities from 3 pm, visits with Santa 3:15–6 pm, carolers, brass and orchestra music and a dance performance before…
- [Libertyville Cook Park Tree Lighting](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/libertyville-cook-park-tree-lighting--listing-388c7d8754e1b555dae1bb5c) — Fri, Nov 27 · 6:30 PM · Cook Park, Libertyville · All ages · checked Oct 21. The Village of Libertyville starts its holiday season with the annual tree lighting in Cook Park, the green in the middle of downtown along Milwaukee Avenue, on Friday, November…
- [Lighting of the Square — Woodstock](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/lighting-of-the-square-woodstock--listing-408f8f6b59d56ced1ca9b8d9) — Fri, Nov 27 · 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Park-in-the-Square (Woodstock Square) · All ages · checked Oct 27. Woodstock's holiday season officially begins on the Friday after Thanksgiving, when the City of Woodstock switches on tens of thousands of lights in the trees of the…
- [Charlie Brown Christmas Brunch — Live! at Pleasant Home](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/charlie-brown-christmas-brunch-live-at-pleasant-home--listing-613cf527570e9374c12df846) — Sat, Nov 28 · 10:00 AM · Pleasant Home, Oak Park · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 16. Fitzgerald's Nightclub and the Park District of Oak Park present Vince Guaraldi's A Charlie Brown Christmas played live by the Chris White Trio inside Pleasant Home, the landmark…
- [Free Pictures with Santa in St Charles IL](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/free-pictures-with-santa-in-st-charles-il--84266b01-d69e-478a-b4da-e95b54372807) — Sat, Nov 28 · 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM · HomeSmart Connect Real Estate Office, Saint Charles · Free. 🎅 FREE Pictures with Santa! Families & Pets Welcome! 🎄 We're spreading a little holiday cheer in St. Charles, and we'd love for our neighbors to join us! Amy Ivy Real Estate…
- [Grinchmas on the Green — Plainfield](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/grinchmas-on-the-green-plainfield--listing-9068099c3c1eb506e41874e4) — Sat, Nov 28 · 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Village Green Park, Plainfield · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. Downtown Plainfield's Village Green lights up for Grinchmas on Saturday, November 28, 4:30–7:30 p.m. Free hot cocoa and cookies are served under the pavilion from 4:30 p.m…
- [Hometown Holiday Celebration & Twilight Parade — Chesterton](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/hometown-holiday-celebration-and-twilight-parade-chesterton--listing-60440f9ed300f84b92736e42) — Sat, Nov 28 · 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Downtown Chesterton — Broadway and Thomas Centennial Park · All ages · checked Oct 27. Downtown Chesterton's Hometown Holiday Celebration fills a Saturday after Thanksgiving with small-town holiday traditions run by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce. The day opens…
- [Lake Villa Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/lake-villa-holiday-parade-and-tree-lighting--listing-2b7aac2e2c2402f8d72db618) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM · Downtown Lake Villa / Lehmann Park · All ages · checked Oct 30. Downtown Lake Villa's holiday parade on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, followed by the tree lighting in Lehmann Park.
- [Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker — Hinsdale Central (40th Anniversary)](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/salt-creek-ballet-s-the-nutcracker-hinsdale-central-40th-anniversary--listing-0fb60510e903f15f703b990e) — Sat, Nov 28 (+1 more date) · 1:00 PM · Hinsdale Central High School · Paid · checked Oct 21. Westmont's Salt Creek Ballet opens the 40th-anniversary run of its full-length Nutcracker over Thanksgiving weekend at Hinsdale Central High School, with shows on Saturday…
- [Santa's Craft Corner at Cosley Zoo](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/santa-s-craft-corner-at-cosley-zoo--listing-9e02c88540452562af08518c) — Sat, Nov 28 (+2 more dates) · 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Cosley Zoo — Kiebler Room, Wheaton · From $20 · checked Oct 16. Visit Santa at Cosley Zoo on Saturday, November 28, December 5 or December 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The $20 household fee, paid at the door, covers crafts, refreshments and a…
- [Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon & 5K with Kids Dash](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/schaumburg-turkey-trot-half-marathon-and-5k-with-kids-dash--listing-21307fd11dba9bd5ac2bff6c) — Sat, Nov 28 · 7:45 AM · Busse Woods — Ned Brown Meadow, Groves 28–30, Elk Grove Village · With admission · checked Oct 21. The 18th Schaumburg Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving-Saturday race through Busse Woods on November 28, 2026, starting and finishing at the Ned Brown Meadow, Groves 28–30, in Elk…
- [Turkey Trails Kid's Dash, 1 Mile, 5K, 10K and Half — Hammel Woods, Shorewood](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/turkey-trails-kid-s-dash-1-mile-5k-10k-and-half-hammel-woods-shorewood--listing-75b09cfb3e7519f52f64afaa) — Sat, Nov 28 · 9:00 AM · Hammel Woods — Route 59 Access, Shorewood · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. A trail race the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Hammel Woods with a Kid's Dash and a 1-mile option alongside the 5K, 10K and half marathon. Registration includes a shirt and…
- [Winter Fest & Tree Lighting — Valparaiso](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/winter-fest-and-tree-lighting-valparaiso--listing-2d61e57bd6d019ea915cf4c8) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Central Park Plaza, Valparaiso · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. Valparaiso Parks lights the giant Christmas tree at Central Park Plaza downtown on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. The free evening includes musical performances…
- [Winter Wonder Lights Kickoff at Peck Farm Park](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/winter-wonder-lights-kickoff-at-peck-farm-park--listing-f11df7c92759c527508d09d6) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Peck Farm Park, Geneva · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. Geneva Park District opens its two-week Winter Wonder Lights celebration on Saturday, November 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Peck Farm Park. The courtyard illumination happens at 5…
- [Batavia Celebration of Lights](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/batavia-celebration-of-lights--listing-4cc2383acda69a3c2ecf15cd) — Sun, Nov 29 · 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Batavia Riverwalk — Peg Bond Center · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. Batavia's Celebration of Lights fills the Riverwalk on Sunday, November 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. Families can stroll Christmas Tree Lane, with 35 trees decorated by local groups and…
- [Family Winter Lights Ride — Oak Park](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/family-winter-lights-ride-oak-park--listing-0ef380731c8f4c91e7dcc4f6) — Sun, Nov 29 · 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Departure point per registration, Oak Park · checked Oct 16. Leave the driving to the park district: Family Winter Lights is a guided ride through Oak Park to see holiday lights, sparkling decorations and festively decorated homes on…
- [Winfield Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony](https://grassyknees.com/chicago/activities/winfield-christmas-tree-lighting-ceremony--listing-ade5c69ff2a58f24a1d146f7) — Sun, Nov 29 · 4:00 PM · Winfield Government Center · checked Oct 21. The Town of Winfield in Lake County, Indiana, lights its Christmas tree on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at the Winfield Government Center. Activities begin at 4 p.m. with holiday…

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