Chicago parents, these are indeed the times that try men's souls. On this slushy and cold week that has both kids and parents obsessively hitting "refresh" on teacher's strike news and Halloween trick-or-treat forecasts, we're all looking forward to a brighter weekend ahead.

The Chicago International Children's Festival brings 250 new films for kids of all ages to Lincoln Park, and for really little ones (and Washington Nationals fans) there's the sing-along extravaganza that is Baby Shark Live! Pups are welcome to trot the trails at the Morton Arboretum's Dog Admission Day on Saturday, while kids can meet their favorite Paw Patrol pups at the new Toys R Us Adventure on the Magnificent Mile. 

At the Chicago Children's Museum (which is free on Sunday), this weekend sees the grand opening of Cloud Buster, a huge, multi-level climbable structure for kids. There's more immersive artwork to explore at the newly-opened Nevermore Park in Pilsen, where kids can enter a world of graphic arts superheroes. And Day of the Dead celebrations continue this weekend with a Frida Kahlo-inspired bash in Wheaton, free sugar skull workshops in North Riverside, and a Dia de los Muertos festival in Dvorak Park. 

Just in case you're still planning for Halloween while you're reading this (and that weather forecast is turning your jack o'lantern's grin upside down), we've also pulled together a list of indoor trick-or-treating options for Halloween.

Hang in there, parents—you got this.