Enjoy lights, holiday activities, and visits with some familiar characters at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian's Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event
Laurie Berkner, Blippi, and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend
LuminoCity returns to Long Island with another stunning installation at Eisenhower Park. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity
20 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island in 2025
Fifth Street in Ronkonkoma is aglow with Christmas lights during the holidays.
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and 2025 Holiday Lights on Long Island
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids
LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park this Christmas season. Photo courtesy LuminoCity
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island 2025
See how the village of Port Jefferson magically turns back time to the Dicken's Era. Photo courtesy of the festival's Facebook page
25 Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island for Kids in 2025
From holiday tales to dreidel making, the Sands Point Preserve boasts an afternoon full of family fun. Photo courtesy of Sands Point Preserve
20 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
Have brunch with Santa at the Long Island Aquarium this holiday season. Photo by Jennifer Voit
Breakfast with Santa on Long Island in 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
Eglevsky Ballet’s
Long Island's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Kids can hop on tricycles and ride around the indoor track at L.I. Salty Kids Cove.
21 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Suffolk County
Xplore Family Fun Center's birthday parties include pizza, drinks, and arcade cards. Photo by the author
Top Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
Summer camp is a great way for kids to make new friends and learn new skills
GUIDE
Long Island Summer Camp Guide
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Bounce! in Syosset is a trampoline adventure destination that includes a toddler playground for younger kids. Photo by Jennifer Voit
15 Family Fun Centers on Long Island
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro
Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors
The Vanderbilt has a planetarium, an expansive mansion, and a museum, making it a great place to explore on a rainy day. Photo by Kristen Markel
25 Things To Do Indoors on Long Island on a Rainy Day
Find free fun for Long Island kids at the free play space at the Broadway Mall. Photo courtesy the mall
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids
Families gather at Northport Park as the sun sets on the scenic Northport Harbor. Photo by the author
Best Cute Towns on Long Island with Walkable Main Streets
A day at Sunken Meadow State Park can feature playground games, a walk on the beach, and more. Photo by Kimberly Chacon
Best Playgrounds on Long Island for Kids
Speed down the slides at Bellmore's Planet Play.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Nassau County
Celebrate with a themed birthday at Sippy Cups. Photo by the author
Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places for Kids on Long Island
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Long Island Kids
Kids eat free at participating IHOPs beginning at 4pm each afternoon. Photo courtesy of IHOP
Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free on Long Island
Winding paths, ponds, and streams line the lush grounds of Clark Botanic Gardens.
17 Secret Long Island Spots Kids Love
Encourage an introduction to STEM education at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Long Island Science Museums for Kids
Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the eastern seaboard. Photo courtesy of Discover Long Island
Ultimate Long Island Bucket List: 100 Things To Do on LI with Kids Before They Grow Up
Host an affordable birthday party at Whimsical Vine Party Hall. Photo by Chofit the Man to Call via Pexels
Inexpensive Birthday Party Room Rentals on Long Island
Babies 2 and younger can pet the goats, alpacas, and ponies for free at Fink’s Country Farm.
12 Free Places to Play on Long Island with Babies and Toddlers
Photo of Liddle Bites play space in Long Beach by Lisa Fogarty for Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids
Enjoy the engaging exhibits at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM
Best Museums for Kids on Long Island
Keep the kids busy at Applebee's with games on a tableside tablet. Photo by Anne Caminiti - Momee Friends of Long Island www.momeefriendsli.com
Long Island Restaurants with Fun Entertainment for Kids
Photo by Dora Somosi via Instagram
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for Long Island
Grab the brass ring and get a free ride at Greenport's carousel. Photo by Jaime Sumersille
Top Attractions in Long Island: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Veterans Day Weekend 2025 in Chicago: 15 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)
11/5/25 - 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 2025.

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 events at Cantigny or Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Celebrate National STEM Day in Naperville and Lapidary Activity Day in Oak Brook. And if the grandparents are starting to ask for holiday gift ideas, visit the Chicago Toy & Game Fair to get some.

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!

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Things To Do This Veterans Day Weekend 2024

Astronomer in the Parks

Northerly Island
Friday, November 7
Join The Chicago Astronomer to look at the cosmos via telescope. The astronomer and his crew will provide instruction on how to look at the urban night sky. READ MORE

Hanover Park Day of the Dead Dance

Hanover Park
Friday, November 7
Celebrate Mexican heritage with a Latin music, authentic Mexican food, and face painting. The event also includes craft tables, a Dia inspired photo booth, and games like Loteria for both kids and adults. READ MORE

Chicago Toy & Game Fair

Rosemont
Saturday, November 8- Sunday, November 9
Kick off the holidays with North America's largest toy & game fair open to the public with immersive events, interactive exhibits, giveaways, characters, and activities for all ages at Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Play with the coolest new toys, meet your favorite characters, and so much more! READ MORE

Lapidary Activity Day at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Oak Brook
Saturday, November 8
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

MCA Family Day

Magnificent Mile
Saturday, November 8
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

Leo Lionni's Frederick

West Loop
Saturday, November 8- Sunday, November 9
While other mice are gathering food for the winter, Frederick daydreams the summer away. But when fall weather comes, it is Frederick who has stored up something special for the long cold winter in a celebration of the idea that there is a place for all of us in this world. Originally a world premiere in CCT’s 10th birthday season, this charming musical based on Leo Lionni’s classic, much-loved Caldecott Award-winning book features a book by Suzanne Maynard Miller and a spirited folk and rock blues music score by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs, performed live, on-stage by a talented cast of... READ MORE

reFashioning History Family Open House

Evanston
Saturday, November 8
Step Into History in Style witha morning of fashion, fun, and creativity at the Dawes House. Explore the reFashioning History exhibit for free, then dive into hands-on activities designed for the whole family. READ MORE

National STEM Day at DuPage Children's Museum

Naperville
Saturday, November 8
Celebrate curiosity, problem-solving, and hands-on discovery! National STEM Day is all about exploring science, technology, engineering, and math in fun and creative ways. DuPage Children's Museum is also adding in Art to make it a STEAM Day! Visit DCM for a day of experiments, building, and playful invention. READ MORE

Hands- On History Day at Elmhurst History Museum

Elmhurst- FREE
Saturday, November 8
Visit the museum to enjoy kid-friendly games, and design and create your own colorful Art Deco themed paper lantern (while supplies last). During the event, guests may also explore the World of Tomorrow: A Century of Progress exhibit next door in the museum. Appropriate for elementary age children accompanied by an adult, no registration required. READ MORE

Family Fun with Little Miss Ann & Suzi Shelton at Fitzgerald's

Berwyn
Sunday, November 9
Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) is a nationally touring, kids musician who has made 6 family music albums including her latest award-winning album "28 Days" which she recorded during the quarantine at home. For their first public kids music concert together in over a year, the Little Miss Ann Band will be performing a energetic, interactive, down-to-earth family music concert that will get the kids clapping, singing, dancing, and jumping along! READ MORE

Santa's Arrival at Fox Valley Mall

Aurora
Saturday, November 8
Get ready for the magic of the season! Santa arrives at Fox Valley Mall right at 10:00 AM — don’t be late to catch his grand entrance! Enjoy free family fun from 10:00–11:00 AM, including a dance party with holiday characters, face painting, balloon twisting, giveaways and a take-home Snoopy™ Christmas craft (while supplies last). READ MORE

Fossil Quarry Tour

Lemont
Sunday, November 9
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

The Sleeping Beauty: International Ballet Stars

Skokie
November 9
Awaken your sense of wonder with the most enchanting ballet of all time! One night only. One timeless fairytale. One unforgettable journey into a world of love, destiny, and magic. Enjoy the artistic direction by Artem Yachmennikov, Vaganova graduate & former principal dancer with the Bolshoi Theatre, San Francisco Ballet & Dutch National Ballet, lavish costumes and breathtaking fairytale-inspired set designs, iconic scenes like the “Rose Adagio” performed with stunning elegance and control. This ballet features a world-class cast of dancers from Moldova, Spain, Italy, Kyrgyzstan... READ MORE

Brookfield Zoo Chicago Veterans Day Celebration

Brookfield
Tuesday, November 11
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

Veterans Day Family Story Time at Cantigny

Wheaton
Tuesday, November 11
The West Chicago Public Library District and Cantigny invite you to a special story time this Veterans Day! It’s a day to honor and thank all the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces — whether in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard. Library staff will share a heartwarming story inspired by heroes, with a special guest reader who is a veteran! Sing along to patriotic songs and grab a veteran-themed activity (while supplies last) to take home. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: