Illumination photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

Children's Theater, Light Shows, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago

Let one of these Chicago restaurants do the cooking this Thanksgiving.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Chicago

Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand

GUIDE

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The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs

25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids

There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva

Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Photo by Brian & Jaclyn Drum via Flickr 2.0

Best of November: Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving Parade, and More Things to Do in Chicago

It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 37 Things To Do in Chicago This Fall

The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3

Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do

Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook

GUIDE

Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center

Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families

St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis

Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families

Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago

25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5

An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum

Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out

The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.

100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up

State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids

Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago

GUIDE

Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids

Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg

Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders

Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids

The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck

3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

GUIDE

Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.

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There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

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Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry

Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago

Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook

Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop

Breakfast with Santa in Chicago

Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane

11/12/23 - By Jessica Stautberg

Santa breakfasts in Chicago offer more than just pancakes —you usually get a Santa picture and a visit as well. We have a list of breakfasts with Santa in Chicago, as well as brunches and other activities at a variety of venues, like Drury Lane Theater, Pinstripes Brunch with Santa, and even a Galactic Santa Breakfast at Camp Big Timber Ridge.

Most of these activities will offer photo ops, but you can also snag a picture with Santa at one of these events. We have ensured that as of publication time, all of these events have seats available, and we've tried to list events with more than just a handful of spots left. But register fast! These won't be around forever.

And for more fantastic holiday ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families.