Spend Halloween trick or treating at Navy Pier and enjoy interactive art and performances during Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier on October 25, 2025. Put on your costume and stop by 30 indoor candy stations during this all-day, free event. Besides sweet treats, look out for aerial … [Read more...] about Free Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier
Kids' Activities
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
The ultimate Chicago Halloween celebration kicks off with the 26th Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade and costume contest on October 31, 2025. Throw together your most creative, witty costume for the dramatic spectacle of the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade. Prepare to see … [Read more...] about Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Free Lincoln Park Spooky Zoo
Celebrate the scary season with a visit to Lincoln Park Zoo for trick or treating among the animals at the annual Spooky Zoo event on October 18, 2025. Stroll around the zoo and collect treats while supplies last. Kids can also enjoy interactive storytelling and live music on the Main Mall … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Spooky Zoo
Free Bird Walks at North Park Village
Enjoy a free guided walk and search for migratory birds every Saturday in September and October at the North Park Village Nature Center. Join Jorge Garcia of Windy City Bird Lab and discover the beauty of birding on September 20, 27 and October 4, 11, and 18, 2025. The walk is less than … [Read more...] about Free Bird Walks at North Park Village
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Head to State Street to celebrate Halloween as the "artist's holiday" with an evening of wonder and creativity at the Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on October 18, 2025, in the Loop. Recognized as one of the top six Halloween events in the world, the tenth annual Arts in the Dark parade … [Read more...] about Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up
Wander through pumpkin patches and corn mazes while you enjoy the season at Chicago's largest fall festival, Jack's Pumpkin Pop Up, located near Goose Island, from September 18 to November 2, 2025. The large number of all-ages festivities make Jack's one of the most popular fall excursions. … [Read more...] about Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up
Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Celebrate the joys of autumn in the fun-filled setting of Lincoln Park Zoo during the ninth annual Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest, September 26-October 26, 2025. Step into the vibrant world of pumpkins, harvest mazes and fall photo ops during this family-friendly event. Admission to the zoo is … [Read more...] about Free Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Free Polar Adventure Days
Explore the natural beauty of the winter season during the annual Polar Adventure Days on February 22, 2025. Bundle up and enjoy chilly fun on the 300 acres of Big Marsh Park in the South Deering neighborhood. Connect with nature during a day of winter adventures … [Read more...] about Free Polar Adventure Days
Free Things To Do During the Chicago Winter
Chicago's winters boast a well-deserved reputation for being brutal. It's true that the wind chill can make a snowman cry but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the frozen beauty of the city. When Chicago weather hits above 35, consider heading out into the icy … [Read more...] about Free Things To Do During the Chicago Winter
St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Celebrate the beautiful Swedish tradition of St. Lucia Day at the Swedish American Museum in the Andersonville neighborhood. The annual candlelit procession down Clark Street will take place on December 13, 2024. Starting at sunset around 4:45 pm, specially selected St. Lucia girls" wearing long … [Read more...] about St. Lucia Festival of Lights
Skate in the Clouds at Peninsula Sky Rink
Ice skating is a beloved Chicago winter tradition with rinks all over the city but one of the most scenic skating experiences is at The Peninsula Chicago's Sky Rink, perched above the Magnificent Mile with sparkling lights and pine trees. The rink is open through February 2, 2025. Ride up to the … [Read more...] about Skate in the Clouds at Peninsula Sky Rink
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Dive into a quintessential Chicago holiday experience by skating around the iconic Wrigley Field as well as enjoying live music, holiday decor, classic holiday movies and more at Winterland at Gallagher Way, December 6-21, 2024. Head to the Wrigleyville neighborhood to … [Read more...] about Winterland at Gallagher Way
