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Presidents Day 2025: 19 Things To Do In Chicago With Kids

Dad and son having fun at the auto show. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show
Dad and son having fun at the auto show. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show
2/12/25 - By MommyPoppins

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this Presidents Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Chicago families have plenty of options when looking for things to do during the long holiday weekend. Get your vroom on at the final weekend of the Chicago Auto Show, with special kid-friendly programs throughout the weekend. Keep celebrating Black History Month at Garfield Park Conservatory or at Chicago Black Restaurant Week. Learn about presidents in Old Town, or see a Chicago Theatre Week production for kids in Lincoln Park or Northbrook.

There are plenty of free things to do in Chicago at this time of year—check out our list here. One of our favorite things to do is visit the Art Institute, and it's free this Monday on Presidents Day. See our tips and tricks on visiting. You can also try out one of our favorite indoor play spaces, or go sledding at one of our favorite sled hills.

Here are the best things to do this weekend for Presidents Day weekend. 

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids 

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Chicago Theatre Week: Three Little Birds. Production photo by @jaytownsphotography, courtesy of the Young People's Theatre of Chicago.
Chicago Theatre Week: Three Little Birds. Production photo by @jaytownsphotography, courtesy of the Young People's Theatre of Chicago.

Things to Do Presidents Day Weekend in Chicago

Valentine's Day Dance at Lakeshore Park

Lakeshore East - FREE
Friday, February 14
Love is in the air! Enjoy a Valentine’s Day Dance with your family and friends. There will be dancing, treats and crafts. Don't forget to bring a camera for the photo booth and to capture memories of the evening. READ MORE

Family Valentine's Day Dance at Addams Park

Near West
Friday, February 14
Put on your dancin' shoes and visit Addams Park for a special Valentine's Day dance just for families! The dance will be held in the park's new fieldhouse. READ MORE

Chicago Auto Show

McCormick Place
Daily through Monday, February 17
McCormick Place hosts the annual Chicago Auto Show, featuring nearly 1,000 different vehicles on display, including domestic and imported cars and trucks, sport utility vehicles, experimental or concept cars, antique and collector cars, and auto-related exhibits, including test tracks for Jeeps and Fords. READ MORE

Chicago Theatre Week: Three Little Birds

Lincoln Park
Saturday, February 15- Sunday, February 16
Young People's Theatre of Chicago presents a one-hour version of Bob Marley's book Three Little Birds.  The play is about tropical storms and sneaky spirits that lurk, but Ziggy's friendly feathered friends say "every little thing is gonna be alright!" Infused with reggae classics like "Stir it Up," "One Love," and "Jamming," Bob Marley's Three Little Birds is inspired by the delightful children's book Every Little Thing by Marley's own daughter, Cedella Marley. READ MORE

Beetlejuice Jr. Presented by BrightSide Theatre Youth Project (Kids Performing for Kids)

Naperville
Friday, February 14- Sunday, February 16
"It’s our show now, kid." The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes... READ MORE

Chicago Black Restaurant Week

Various locations throughout Chicago
Daily through February 25, 2024
Celebrate Black owned restaurants throughout the Chicago area with special deals and events for the last two weeks in February. More than four dozen restaurants serve up their specialties for special prices. READ MORE

Chicago Theatre Week: Dragons Love Tacos

Northbrook
Saturday, February 15- Sunday, February 16
Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences presents the classic children's book Dragons Love Tacos in play form. You know what Dragons really love Tacos of course! A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ of what to serve to dragons to eat. Dragons love tacos, but if they accidentally eat spicy salsa – watch out!   READ MORE

My First Movies - Short Film Program

Lincoln Park
Saturday, February 15
My First Movies is a short film program specially curated by the experts at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival for the youngest viewers (ages 2-5). Designed with first-time moviegoers in mind, the space offers room to wiggle and explore, with dim (but not dark) lighting to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Featuring a delightful lineup of gentle, animated films about lovable animal friends, the program is paired with interactive activities led by Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble. This joyful experience introduces toddlers to the magic... READ MORE

Juniper Junction

Lisle
Saturday, February 15-Sunday, February 23
Visit The Morton Arboretum to see Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Large-scale model railroading uses trains that are significantly larger than standard model railroading. Also called “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads offer a captivating landscape for viewers of all ages to enjoy. READ MORE

Wonder Works Author Visit: Stenetta Anthony

Oak Park
Saturday, February 15
Wonder Works Children's Museum welcomes children's author Stenetta Anthony to read and sign her books for young readers and their caregivers. Stenetta Anthony is an multi award-winning author children's author and former educator who dedicated her career to inspiring young minds through storytelling and learning. With a passion for nurturing creativity and fostering a love for reading, she became published author after spending 22 years in the classroom.  READ MORE

Drumline LIVE! at Governors State University

University Park
Saturday, February 15
This show-stopping attraction created by the musical team behind the hit movies, “Drumline” and “Drumline: A New Beat,” embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience. With its riveting rhythms, bold beats, and ear grabbing energy, DRUMLine Live is a high octane musical roller coaster ride. READ MORE

Bubbles Academy Gold Coast Family Valentine's Day Party

Gold Coast
Friday, February 14
Celebrate Valentine's Day with your family and Bubbles Academy friends. This event includes a festive open play set up, a vintage valentine station, event photos, sweet snacks, and more! READ MORE

Sing Along Movie Night: Encanto

North Riverside- FREE
Saturday, February 15
Sing along, dress up and join in on the fun of Encanto at Village Commons gymnasium. Concessions will be available for purchase, no outside food or beverages. READ MORE

The Big Balloon Show with Smarty Pants at Park Ridge Public Library

Park Ridge - FREE
Saturday, February 15
Prepare to be amazed and entertained by this one-of-a-kind show featuring magic, all-ages comedy, interactive storytelling and of course, Smarty’s award-winning, larger than life balloon props. Tickets are available at the library on the morning of the show. READ MORE

Wicked Galentine's Skate Party

South Side
Friday, February 14
Grab your girls and get ready for a Wickedly fun night! Meet Elphaba and Glinda, enjoy a night of roller skating, and take home a glow stick and a Wicked-themed Valentine gift bag. READ MORE

Fairytale Brunch at Bolingbrook Golf Club

Bolingbrook
Saturday, February 15
Step into a world of enchantment and wonder at Bolingbrook Golf Club's Fairytale Brunch. Delight in a whimsical morning filled with laughter, music, and your favorite fairytale characters. Meet the adventurous Moana, the curious Ariel, the graceful Elsa, and the spirited Rapunzel as they bring their stories to life. READ MORE

Presidents Day at the Chicago History Museum

Old Town
Monday, February 17
Celebrate the four U.S. Presidents who have lived in Illinois at the Chicago History Museum on Presidents Day. Families can learn more about Lincoln, Grant, Reagan, and Obama with family friendly activities, including writing letters to the President and free museum admission. READ MORE

February Family Free Days at The American Writers Museum

Downtown - FREE
Sunday, February 18- Monday, February 19, 2024
Celebrate Black History Month with a literary twist at the American Writers Museum’s Family Free Days! Enjoy free admission to the museum and a variety of activities for the whole family. Enjoy family crafts, museum tours, bingo, and story time at the museum. READ MORE

President's Day Dodgeball Tournament

Montclare - FREE
Monday, February 17
Get ready to dodge, duck, dip, and dive in this exciting 4-on-4 Dodgeball Tournament! Gather your squad and compete for glory in this high-energy, fast-paced event. Teams will battle it out in a double-elimination bracket for a chance to claim the championship title. READ MORE

Black History Month Budding Botanist Activities

Garfield Park - FREE
Saturday, February 15
Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at Garfield Park Conservatory's Black History Month Budding Botanists station. These stations are interactive and are all about scientific exploration, to help your family see plants in new and creative ways. Adults and young ones of all ages can stop by and let the learning begin! READ MORE

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