Kids' Activities

Northerly Island Free Polar Adventure Day

Explore the natural beauty of the winter season during the annual Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island on February 25, 2023. Bundle up and enjoy chilly fun on the Northerly Island Peninsula. Connect with nature during a day of winter adventures from noon to 3 pm. Activities include … [Read more...] about Northerly Island Free Polar Adventure Day

Chicago Children’s Museum Free Family Days

Enjoy fun-filled days of free family activities at the Chicago Children's Museum on the last Thursday of every month, January through May, as well as September and October in 2023. Bring kids under 10 years old to Navy Pier for engaging events at the Chicago Children's Museum during free … [Read more...] about Chicago Children’s Museum Free Family Days

Winter Bryn Market

Stock up on handmade beauty goods, art, apparel and more at the Winter Bryn Mawrket in the Edgewater neighborhood. This creative pop-up market will open every weekend through February 12, 2023. Visit the Winter Bryn Mawrket to shop artisan products, view art installations, and participate … [Read more...] about Winter Bryn Market

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

One of Chicago's most iconic holiday traditions is viewing the holiday trees from around the world at the Christmas Around The World exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry. This year's display includes Holidays of Light, a celebration of global holidays that honor light … [Read more...] about Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Light up the Lake at Navy Pier

Chicago's largest indoor light experience is a family fun tradition. Light Up The Lake returns to Navy Pier through January 7, 2022, for lots of interactive activities. Dive into twinkling holiday magic with Light Up The Lakes light displays, games, visits with Santa and more. This year, a new … [Read more...] about Light up the Lake at Navy Pier

Ride the CTA Holiday Train

One of the things that make the holidays in Chicago extra special is the CTA Holiday Train. For 31 years, a festive train carrying Santa and his reindeer runs through all of the CTA lines carrying joy and food baskets to Chicago community organizations. The train runs … [Read more...] about Ride the CTA Holiday Train

Jack Frost Winterfest

Stroll under 10,000-holiday lights and dive into seasonal fun including a Christmas tree farm, ice skating and snow tubing at the Jack Frost Winterfest at Goose Island, from December 3, 2022-January 1, 2023. Journey into the ultimate holiday adventure with a … [Read more...] about Jack Frost Winterfest

Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon

Whirl around the twirling ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park for the ultimate winter season experience. The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is open every day through March 5, 2023. Roll around the whimsical ice skating ribbon for a more exciting ride than typical ice rinks. Maggie Daley … [Read more...] about Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Glide under the sparkling beauty of the Chicago skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. The free rink is open through March 5, 2023, weather permitting. Whirling around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the city's official Christmas tree is a holiday … [Read more...] about McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo $5 plus free nights

Lincoln Park Zoo's annual Zoo Lights is the highlight of Chicago's holiday season with hundreds of lights twinkling across the grounds. Tickets are on sale now for the event which opens on November 19, 2022. Stroll through the zoo and enjoy an illuminated holiday wonderland of animal displays and … [Read more...] about ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo $5 plus free nights

Free Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier

Spend Halloween trick or treating at Navy Pier and enjoy interactive art and performances during Slightly Spooky Saturday at Navy Pier on October 29, 2022. 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

Free POP! Heights Park Grand Opening Celebration

Celebrate Chicago's newest park and public outdoor plaza (POP!) at Pop! Heights Park on October 29, 2022, in the Roseland neighborhood. Enjoy a day of festivities including live music, family fall-themed family activities, basketball, food from local restaurants and more at this grand opening … [Read more...] about Free POP! Heights Park Grand Opening Celebration