Spotlight Chicago
The Grand Marshak Float at the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Photo credit: Vito Palmisano
Light Parades, Tree Lightings, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Chicago is getting out the holiday lights this weekend, with tree lightings, lights displays, and...
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
Share a pizza, cookies, or just a photo with Santa!
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.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Our curated list of the best versions of The Nutcracker in the Chicago area.
Let one of these Chicago restaurants do the cooking this Thanksgiving.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Chicago
What if we told you that you didn't have to cook all day?
Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand
GUIDE
Chicago Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
Discover the best things to do with kids in Chicago this fall, from hikes and day trips, to apple...
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Check out these neighborhoods near Chicago for the best lights displays in the area.
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
The must-do holiday events for families in every corner of Chicago.
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Photo by Brian & Jaclyn Drum via Flickr 2.0
Best of November: Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving Parade, and More Things to Do in Chicago
Check out all the fun activities for families in Chicago this November 2024.
It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 37 Things To Do in Chicago This Fall
Enjoy harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, farm fun, and more.
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Everything you need to know before you go.
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
Museums abound in the Chicago area. Here are the most entertaining ones for kids.
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Plan a short trip away while keeping the cost down.
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Consider this your early childhood bucket list for raising a wee Chicagoan.
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Fun and safe indoor spots for teens and tweens in Chicago.
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
This is our Windy City bucket list for kids. How many have you checked off?
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
These state parks are the perfect weekend activity for your family.
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
Never carry a toddler two miles back to the car again.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Best play spaces and more Chicago spots for when bad weather strikes.
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Great for a special occasion, or just to keep the family entertained for a few hours.
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
Ninja and climbing gyms are a great way for older kids to get out those winter wiggles.
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
It's hard to see Chicago in just three days, but here are some can't-miss suggestions.
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
Having birthday party entertainers come to your home is a great way to host your kiddo's friends...
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
You can go fishing with kids without even leaving the city.
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
How to see Chicago's best museums and other attractions on a budget with kids.
Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop
Rediscover or explore the West Loop for the first time with these kid-friendly recommendations.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Soar With The Tuskegee Airmen At Chicago Children's Museum With All-New Exhibit "Aim High" Opening September 28th
Chicago Children's Museum - 10:00 AM
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure
Water Tower Place - 10:00 AM
Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond
Peggy Notebaert Museum - 10:00 AM
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
111th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Millennium Park - 5:00 PM Pick
Winter Lights Aurora
Downtown Aurora - 6:00 PM Pick
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Commemorative Day:Native American History Month
Chicago History Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Woodridge Winter Fest
Village of Woodridge - 4:30 PM Pick
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Magnificent Mile - 5:30 PM Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Santa Arrives by Helicopter
Stratford Crossing - 12:00 PM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo - various times Pick
Millennium Park Holiday Market
Millennium Park - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure
Water Tower Place - 10:00 AM
Soar With The Tuskegee Airmen At Chicago Children's Museum With All-New Exhibit "Aim High" Opening September 28th
Chicago Children's Museum - 10:00 AM
Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond
Peggy Notebaert Museum - 10:00 AM
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Free Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art - 10:00 AM
Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond
Peggy Notebaert Museum - 10:00 AM
Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical at the Beverly Arts Center
Beverly Arts Center - 10:30 AM
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Free Days at the Field Museum
Field Museum - 9:00 AM
Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond
Peggy Notebaert Museum - 10:00 AM
Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical at the Beverly Arts Center
Beverly Arts Center - 10:30 AM

Latest Articles

The Grand Marshak Float at the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Photo credit: Vito Palmisano
Light Parades, Tree Lightings, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Nov 20 - Chicago is getting out the holiday lights this weekend, with tree lightings, lights displays, and... READ MORE
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Lauren LaRoche, Nov 17 - Check out these neighborhoods near Chicago for the best lights displays in the area. READ MORE
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
Maureen Wilkey, Nov 15 - Share a pizza, cookies, or just a photo with Santa! READ MORE
Cookeez Makery is one of the hottest new toys of 2024!
Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Hottest Toys and Christmas Gifts for Kids
Gabrielle Cullen, Nov 12 - The coolest gifts & hottest toys of the season. READ MORE
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.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Maureen Wilkey, Nov 10 - Our curated list of the best versions of The Nutcracker in the Chicago area. READ MORE
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Nov 8 - The must-do holiday events for families in every corner of Chicago. READ MORE
More Latest

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Crafts and Recipes for 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
Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house. READ MORE 
Alphabet Soup. Photo courtesy of foodwithfeeling
100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal
Look no further for breakfast, lunch, or dinner inspiration. READ MORE 
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Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
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25 Card Games Every Kid Should Know
Spit, Spoon, Snap ... and even some games that don't start with "S." READ MORE 
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How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps
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