The Grand Marshak Float at the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Photo credit: Vito Palmisano
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Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
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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.
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Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand
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Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
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The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
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There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Photo by Brian & Jaclyn Drum via Flickr 2.0
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It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard
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The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
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Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
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Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
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St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
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Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
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An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
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The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
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State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
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Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
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Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
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Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
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The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
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Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
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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
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Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
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Things to Do in Chicago This Weekend: Dr. Seuss, Monster Jam

Looking for something to do this weekend that the kids will love? Mosey on over to The Newport Theater for The Greatest Story Never Told.Photo courtesy of the production
Looking for something to do this weekend that the kids will love? Mosey on over to The Newport Theater for The Greatest Story Never Told.Photo courtesy of the production
2/25/20 - By MommyPoppins

Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss! Oh, the places you'll go...in a giant mud-spewing monster truck. This weekend the Monster Jam tears up the Allstate Arena in Rosemont with wheelies, donuts, big engines, and even bigger tires.

Train-lovers and budding historians alike will find a rich story to explore at The Chinese Helped Build the Railroad – The Railroad Helped Build America, honoring the thousands of workers who helped create our country's transportation foundation. This is the last weekend for this exhibit! There's plenty more to do this weekend, from maple sugaring to Nick Jr. Live!, so check our picks below to get inspired. If you're looking for even more family fun, our event calendar and winter fun list should help.

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Meet the characters of Nick Jr. Live! Who's your favorite? Photo courtesy of the Nick Jr.
Meet the characters of Nick Jr. Live! Who's your favorite? Photo courtesy of the Nick Jr.

Things to Do All Weekend

Monster Jam Triple Threat Series

Rosemont
World-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes bring more adrenaline, more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more fun, more action. Athletes compete in seven different competitions, driving three different types of vehicles-- Monster Jam Trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters, and Monster Jam ATVs. READ MORE

Maple Sugaring at Kline Creek Farm

West Chicago
Kids can learn where the syrup on their pancakes comes from at this event at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Using tools from the 1890s, experts will demonstrate how to tap a tree, check collection buckets, and thicken sap over the fire. READ MORE

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo

South Side
McCormick Place hosts the annual Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, featuring pop culture panels, concerts, and activities for kids of all ages. Families will love Family HQ, where kids and their caregivers can join in drawing workshops, interactive activities, and entertaining performances.  READ MORE

Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music

East Side
The beautiful Chicago Theatre hosts Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music, featuring favorite characters such as Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer, Bubble Guppies, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues and You, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and Top Wing in an unforgettable musical spectacular! Kids and their caregivers can sing, cheer, clap, and dance to the music.  READ MORE

The Orchid Show of Wonders

Glencoe
Step right up to The Orchid Show of Wonders, where your favorite carnival and circus attractions come to life in new ways.The orchid show captures the unexpected and bright nature of wild orchids, with over 10,000 orchids on view.  READ MORE

Skate with Batman

Bolingbrook
Kids can skate with Batman at weekly open ice skating time at Rocket Ice Skating Rink in Bolingbrook. Skaters of all skill levels can enjoy music and visits with the caped crusader. READ MORE

The Greatest Story Never Told

Lake View
A hapless narrator stumbles on stage and discovers the storybook has no text and that the actors are all stuck in traffic. The solution is for the children in the audience to volunteer to come on stage and become a character in The Greatest Story Never Told! Along with help from “The Greatest Interns,” volunteers put on costumes and help make up scenes and songs for a story inspired by audience suggestions. “The Greatest Interns” are played by a rotating cast of professional adult improvisers who are particularly adept at... READ MORE
Join the colorful celebration at Global Connections: International Carnivale Celebration! at Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Join the colorful celebration at Global Connections: International Carnivale Celebration! at Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

Things to Do Saturday

Global Connections: International Carnivale Celebration

Navy Pier — FREE
Navy Pier hosts an international carnivale celebration, including art, music, dance, food, and drinks from around the globe! FThere will be music and dance throughout the event representing traditions from across the world, including BBrazil, Colombia, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Greece and North America. READ MORE

Dr. Seuss's Birthday

Hillside, Lombard, Warrenville, Willowbrook, Broadview — FREE
Kids can celebrate classic children's book author Dr. Seuss's birthday at Target stores across Chicagoland on Feb. 29. Dr. Seuss giveaways, activities, and readings of What Pet Should I Get? are the highlights of this event at Target stores in Lombard, Willowbrook, Warrenville, Broadview, and Hillside.  READ MORE

Polar Adventure Day

Northerly Island
Families can come to Big Marsh Park for a free outdoor adventure, including interactions with birds of prey, sipping on hot chocolate, storytelling, and doing winter-inspired crafts. READ MORE

CANCELED - Red Kite, Brown Box

West Loop
The Chicago Children's Theatre hosts an interactive theatrical experience that leads children with autism and their caregivers on an imaginative journey where simple cardboard boxes transform into a magical world full of treasures and joyous play. READ MORE

Fairytale Ball

Bloomingdale
Kids can dress as their favorite royalty, knight, or jester for an afternoon of fun at the Bloomingdale Public Library. Dancing, crafts, and medieval games will entertain kids as they celebrate the Fairytale Ball. READ MORE

"Small Foot" Screening

Downers Grove
Kids can cuddle up with a blanket and pillow to watch Small Foot on the big screen at Downers Grove Public Library. Closed captioning is provided. READ MORE

Family Drum Circle: Black History Month

Ravenswood
Teaching artists Carlos Cornier and Lenny Marsh will lead this family drum circle exploring movement, singing, and drumming from African American, African Caribbean, African Brazilian, and West African cultures. READ MORE

Breakfast with Elephant and Piggie

Naperville
Beginning readers can watch their favorite books come to life with this special breakfast with Elephant and Piggie. Guests can enjoy a hot breakfast from Little Sprouts Cafe as well as early access to the exhibits. READ MORE
Enjoy a Chicago Bulls game with your family at the United Center this Sunday as part of Chicago Bulls Family Day Games . Photo courtesy of the Chicago Bulls
Enjoy a Chicago Bulls game with your family at the United Center this Sunday as part of Chicago Bulls Family Day Games . Photo courtesy of the Chicago Bulls

Things to Do Sunday

CANCELED - Free First Sundays at the Chicago Children's Museum

Navy Pier — FREE
The Chicago Children's Museum is free for kids 15 and under the first Sunday of each month. READ MORE

CANCELED - Secret Agent Story Time

Wicker Park — FREE
Wicker Park's Secret Agent Supply Company hosts a special story time for the "littlest agents" the first Sunday of each Month, with singing, dancing, and crafts. READ MORE

CANCELED - Chicago Bulls Family Day Games

West Chicago
The Chicago Bulls host Family Day games at the United Center on Wednesdays and select Sundays during home games. READ MORE

Elsa & Anna's Frozen Extravaganza

Elmhurst
Little princesses can enjoy a showing of Frozen with live appearances from ANna and Elsa as they sing along with the movie at Fitz's Spare Keys. Anna and Elsa will also join fans for a snowflake station, games and meet and greets after the show. READ MORE

Maple Sugaring at Kline Creek Farm

West Chicago
Kids can learn where the syrup on their pancakes comes from at this event at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Using tools from the 1890s, experts will demonstrate how to tap a tree, check collection buckets, and thicken sap over the fire. READ MORE

Oak Park Conservatory Kids' Fest

Oak Park
Kids can learn more about plants and bees at the Oak Park Conservatory's annual Kids Fest. The event includes a celebration of bees and bee keeping, hands-on educational activities, a scavenger hunt, and crafts. This year's theme, Life Under a Log, will be highlighted by a visit from The Frog Lady, as well as partners from Trailside Museum, Field Museum, and Illinois Master Naturalists. READ MORE

Dr. Seuss is on the Loose Lunch

Oak Park
Families can cut loose at the birthday party for Dr. Seuss at Cheney Mansion in Oak Park. Green eggs and ham may be on the lunch menu, followed by games and visits from characters. READ MORE

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