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Veterans Day Weekend 2023 in Chicago: 21 Best Things To Do With Kids

Celebrate Veterans Day this weekend in Chicago. Photo by 416th Theater Engineer Command Army Reserve via Flickr. (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Celebrate Veterans Day this weekend in Chicago. Photo by 416th Theater Engineer Command Army Reserve via Flickr. (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
11/8/23 - By Siobhan Adcock

Looking for things to do this Veterans Day weekend in Chicago? Here are some kid-friendly events happening this Veterans Day weekend.

Between Halloween and the holidays each year, we take a day off to celebrate those that have served in the military with Veterans Day. Show your respect and teach kids about veterans with a free visit to Pritzker Military Museum and Library, a craft at Cantigny, or a ceremony at Soldier Field. It's also Diwali, and kids can enjoy dancing, stories and more at events in Bridgeport, Elmhurst, and Bucktown. Music and movies are also in abundance this weekend. Families can see the Chicago International Children's Film Festival or hear music from Little Miss Ann or Mr. Dave.

Plan ahead to Thanksgiving by making a reservation at one of our favorite family-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving. You might also want to buy a ticket for the Polar Express—they're selling out fast! Or take a look at one of our favorite holiday activities for the family.

 

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids

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Lightscapes at Chicago Botanical Gardens opens this weekend. Photo courtesy of the event.
Lightscapes at Chicago Botanical Gardens opens this weekend. Photo courtesy of the event.

Things To Do This Veterans Day Weekend 2023

Chicago International Children's Film Festival

November 3-19, 2023—Lincoln Park
The 40th annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival features high quality international independent films for kids of all ages. Guests can choose from dozens of new films from many different countries along with workshops, director presentations, and seminars, at Facets Cinema in Lincoln Park or virtually. READ MORE

Free Admission Day to Pritzker Military Museum and Library

Friday, November 10, 2023 and Saturday, November 11, 2023—Downtown
Veterans and non-veterans alike can visit the Pritzker Military Museum and Library for free on November 10 and 11. Check out the exhibit Life Behind the Wire: Prisoners of War. READ MORE

Deepavali with Kalapriya at Chicago Women's Park and Gardens

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Bridgeport
Families can celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights at Chicago Women's Park and Gardens with Deepavali. The event will include performances, Diya decoration, and sparkler lighting. READ MORE

Chicago History Museum Family Day- Native American Heritage Month

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Old Town
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Chicago History Museum with family friendly crafts and activities. Kids can watch and discuss episodes of Molly of Denali, make crafts, and watch Te-ata, a film based on a true stoy by the Chicksaw Nation. READ MORE

Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony

Saturay, November 11, 2023—Soldier Field
Honor the City of Chicago's veterans at this commemorative ceremony at Soldier Field. Dress in business attire or Service Dress Uniform to thank those who have served in wartime and during peace. READ MORE

Veterans Day Family Activities at Cantigny

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Wheaton
Honor the bravery of American troops with cards and letters to the troops or by taking part in missions for scouts that show how we can give back to those who have served. READ MORE

Family Diwali Party

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Elmhurst
Celebrate Diwali at Elmhurst Public Library with stories and music. The Meher Dance Company will teach families traditional Indian dance moves. READ MORE

Brookfield Zoo Veteran's Day Celebration

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Brookfield
Families can salute the armed forces with a free day at Brookfield Zoo, including many celebratory events. The zoo will display veterans' memorabilia and vehicles at the Discovery Center and host a presentation about Ambassador Animals at 11 a.m. Families can also enjoy performances by the Legacy Girls and Jesse White Tumblers and a posting of the colors and singing of the National Anthem. READ MORE

Promenade Bolingbrook Holiday Magic in Motion Kick-off

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Bolingbrook
A new augmented reality experience comes to the Bolingbrook Promenade for hte holidays.Stroll through a world of twinkling lights, magical candy canes, and an unexpected encounter with Santa. To celebrate the opening of the new display on November 11, families can enjoy crafts, balloon twisters, face painters, and a magic show. Live entertainment, including music and dancing, will be presented on the stage in the round-about. READ MORE

Wheaton Park District's Annie, Jr.

Thursday, November 9, 2023- Sunday, November 12, 2023—Wheaton
Children from the Wheaton Park District present Annie, Jr., an abbreviated version of the classic musical about a plucky orphan who wins over a millionaire. Doors open 30 minutes before each show. READ MORE

Bubbles Academy Diwali Celebration

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Bucktown
Bubbles Academy teachers and guests celebrate Diwali with kids. Award-winning children’s author Ajanta Chakraborty, owner of Bollywood & Culture Groove will present dance and story sessions. Kids can also make crafts, eat snacks, and enjoy open play. READ MORE

Lightscapes at Chicago Botanic Garden

Opens Friday, November 10, 2023—Glencoe
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanic Garden. READ MORE

Little Miss Ann Concert at Uncommon Grounds

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Wrigleyville
Join Chicago children's musician Little Miss Ann as she performs live at the Uncommon Grounds. Little Miss Ann has made seven family music albums that span different genres such as folk, rock, punk, country, bluegrass and more. Her songs about letting your light shine within yourself, with your friends and family and in your community will also inspire kids to jump, clap, sing, dance and more! READ MORE

Skate or Bowl with Bluey

Saturday, November 11, 2023—South Side
Bring the whole family to visit Bluey as she visits Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park & Family Entertainment Center. Kids can also enjoy skating or bowling; non-participating parents must pay the chaperone fee. READ MORE

Lakeshore's Kid Quest

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Beverly, Orland Park, and Palatine
Kids can create their own compass and go on a scavenger hunt inside the Lakeshore Learning stores in Beverly, Orland Park, or Palatine. Earn color-in badges that can be redeemed for special offers as you travel by land, air and sea. READ MORE

MCA Family Day

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Magnificent Mile
The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) hosts a FREE family day the second Saturday of each month. The event includes free admission to the museum, as well as workshops, open-studio sessions, gallery tours, and performances designed and led by Chicago artists. READ MORE

Mr. Dave at Fitzgerald's

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Berwyn
Kids musician Mr. Dave revs up the fun-o-meter for a performance at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn. Mr. Dave’s original songs include messages around diversity, safety and acceptance set to catchy tunes. Families can enjoy food and drinks from Fitzgerald's along with the show. READ MORE

Second City Showdown

Saturday, November 11, 2023- Sunday, November 12, 2023—North Park
The Chicago Park District invites National Wheelchair Basketball Association teams from across the Midwest to a tournament at Broadway Armory Park. Games are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Spectator admission is free. READ MORE

Lapidary Activity Day at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Saturday, November 11, 2023—Oak Brook
Drop by the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art to celebrate the Lapidary Arts with artist demonstrators from the West Suburban Lapidary Club. Learn about cutting and polishing stone, wire-wrap, silversmithing, carving, beadstringing and participate in children’s activities. READ MORE

Rialto Square Theater Holiday Movies

Sunday, November 12, 2023—Joliet
Rialto Square Theater shows classic Christmas movies for families to enjoy together. Home Alone is featured on December 22. READ MORE

Fossil Quarry Tour

Sunday, November 12, 2023—Lemont
Kids can learn more about Chicago's ancient history through fossils. The event will include an indoor presention about fossils and take families on a tour of the quarry. READ MORE
All aboard the Franklin Park Polar Express. Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm
All aboard the Franklin Park Polar Express. Photo courtesy of Blackberry Farm

Other Seasonal Activities for Chicago Kids

Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Chicago

What if we told you that you didn't have to cook all day? READ MORE

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago

Where can you still get Polar Express tickets? Check here. READ MORE

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago: Unlimited Ice Cream for All

Games, a train, a sprinkles pool, and of course, ice cream! READ MORE

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

The must-do holiday events for families in every corner of Chicago. READ MORE

Best Harvest & Pumpkin Festivals in Chicago for Fall Family Fun

There's a kid-friendly festival nearly every weekend this fall! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park & Family Entertainment Center
Lakeshore Learning Chicago
Northeastern Illinois University Physical Education Complex