Spotlight Chicago
The Ice Slide at Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of the event.
New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Noon Year's Eve, Parties, Skating
Celebrate the arrival of 2024 with these festive weekend events.
Illuminarium at Winterland, photo courtesy of Navy Pier.
Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Winter break is here. We can help fill the days with fun, engaging activities.
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
Hit these slopes near Chicago for family-friendly snow tubing this winter season.
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.
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids
Bring on the holiday cheer with these festive activities that keep families merry all December...
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
Brighten up your holiday nights with a visit to one of these elaborate lights displays and...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Galactic Santa Breakfast photo courtesy of the event.
Christmas Around the World, Winter Festivals, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Visit Santa, check out a winter festival, or see a new version of The Nutcracker.

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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
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory
Wilder Park - 8:00 AM
DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash
DuPage Chidren's Museum - 9:00 AM Pick
Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works
Wonder Works Children's Museum - 9:00 AM Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Mr. Dave’s NYE Baby Rave: Countdown to Noon
Lincoln Hall - 11:00 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM 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
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory
Wilder Park - 8:00 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
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory
Wilder Park - 8:00 AM
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Winter Exploration Day
Dan Ryan Woods - 11:00 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Gurnee Frosty Fest
Viking Park - 10:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - 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
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory
Wilder Park - 8:00 AM

Latest Articles

Frosty Fest is free this January in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Gurnee Park District
Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: Top Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Dec 29 - Enjoy these free things to do with kids in Chicago this January, including puppet shows, winter... READ MORE
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The Ice Slide at Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of the event.
New Year's Eve Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Noon Year's Eve, Parties, Skating
Siobhan Adcock, Dec 26 - Celebrate the arrival of 2024 with these festive weekend events. READ MORE
Noisemakers and party hats make the evening feel festive from the start! Photo by Ivan Samkov via Pexels
New Year's Eve With Kids: 15 Ideas for Family Celebrations at Home
Jean Kuo Lee, Dec 24 - Countdown treat bags, time capsules, and more ways to welcome 2025 at home. READ MORE
Make memories at the DuPage Children's Museum's Bubble Bash. Photo courtesy of the museum
25 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Chicago Celebrations for Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Dec 22 - Get kids in on the festive fun well before bedtime. READ MORE
Santa's Winter Land Workshop at Gallagher Way. Photo by Donte Tatum
Christmas Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Holiday Celebrations, The Nutcracker, Lights, and More Things To Do With Kids
Siobhan Adcock, Dec 20 - Get into the spirit this Christmas weekend with one of these festive activities. READ MORE
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OUR LATEST VIDEOS

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 
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
These programs teach kids how to code, build websites and apps, and more. READ MORE 
Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!
25 Card Games Every Kid Should Know
Spit, Spoon, Snap ... and even some games that don't start with "S." READ MORE 
Create a colorful, texturized world with a DIY sensory bin. Photo by Emma Graig
10 Sensory Bin Ideas for Busy Toddlers
Turn a cheap container bin into a magical indoor play item. READ MORE 
Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps
Trendy cocoa bombs deliver a sweet winter treat. READ MORE