Early Learning Provider Meet and Greet
Wonder Works Children's Museum 6445 West North Avenue, Oak ParkWeek of Events
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Jigsaw Puzzle Sale
Jigsaw Puzzle Sale
Celebrate National Puzzle Day with the Friends of the Bartlett Library at the Jigsaw Puzzle Sale on Sunday, 1/28 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Lots of fabulous jigsaw puzzles for sale, $3 each or 2 for $5. All proceeds benefit library programs.
Living History 101
Living History 101
Have you ever thought, “I would love to share my passion for history” or “I would love to challenge my acting skills” or “I want to dress up?” Then living history volunteering might be for you! This program will consist of an overview of historical interpretation followed by a question-and-answer session with an interpretive naturalist....
Early Learning Provider Meet and Greet
Early Learning Provider Meet and Greet
Are you starting to think about preschool programs or child care for your little one? Discover what's out there and meet centers and family child care programs in Oak Park, River Forest, and neighboring communities. They will be available to talk to parents and caregivers about their program and answer questions they might have. Children...
Puzzle Day
Puzzle Day
Any time during the day stop by to work giant floor puzzles, play I Spy in our display case or just relax with some paper/pencil puzzles. Something for everyone.
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Admission is free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays), November 27–December 22, 2023, as well as January 8–March 22, 2024. If you reserve your free tickets online in advance, your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in...
ASL Club
ASL Club
Learn American Sign Language! Our mission is to come together as a community to learn American Sign Language (ASL) to bring awareness and communicate to individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and/or Non-Verbal. Play games and have fun while you learn the ASL alphabet and simple words and phrases!
Animal Investigators: Octopuses
Animal Investigators: Octopuses
Let's hang out and admire incredible animals together! We'll learn, share our knowledge and excitement, plus do an experiment or craft. Walk-ins are welcome if there is space to accommodate. For grades 1-5. If your child is age 9 or younger, please plan to remain at the library for the duration of the program. Caregivers...
Bilingual Storytime: Spanish
Bilingual Storytime: Spanish
Geared for children and their caregivers Let's read, sing, and play in Spanish and English!
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Wonder Time: Our Five Senses
Wonder Time: Our Five Senses
Let's explore our senses of smell, touch, taste, hearing, and sight through reading and hands-on learning. For ages 3-6 with caregiver. Pick up tickets at Kids' World desk. Tickets given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beyblades Tournament
Beyblades Tournament
School's out early today! Let your favorite Beyblade rip in this friendly competition for a chance to win a Beyblade. Each participant may enter only one Beyblade in the contest. Registrants will receive additional guidelines via email. Grades K-6. Sign up begins 1/16.
Preschool Open House
Preschool Open House
Parents and caregivers can learn about prospective preschools, daycares and home daycares in the area. Representatives from each preschool and daycare will be on hand to answer your questions and share information about their services.
Language Labs Presents Language Story Time – Mandarin
Language Labs Presents Language Story Time – Mandarin
Introduce your little one to a new language as we enjoy songs, stories, and a craft presented by teachers from The Language Labs. This story time will feature a Chinese New Year Celebration! For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Ways for Families to Celebrate the Chinese New Year
Story Jam
Story Jam
Geared for ages 0-5 with caregiver. Let's read and make music together! No registration required.
Bilingual Storytime and Play – Cuento bilingue y juego
Bilingual Storytime and Play – Cuento bilingue y juego
In this story session, we will enjoy stories, music, and also some play time! Ages 0-5. En esta sesion de cuentos estaremos disfrutando de cuentos, musica, y ademas de un tiempo de juego! Ages 0-5 / Edades 0-5.
Ukulele Sing-Along Story Time
Ukulele Sing-Along Story Time
Experience the joys of song and dance in this interactive, sing-along story time. Drop in. Story Room.
American Girl Doll Book Club
American Girl Doll Book Club
Do you like dolls, history, and American Girl? Then join our first ever American Girl Doll Book Club here at the library! For January the book, Meet Samantha, has been selected. Please read the first book, come to the discussion and enjoy a snack, beverage and make a craft from Samantha Parkington’s time period -...
Celebrating the Year of the Dragon
Celebrating the Year of the Dragon
The Lunar New Year season lasts from February 9th to February 24, 2024. It is a holiday observed by 20% of the world’s population, yet many are unfamiliar with how it is celebrated. Educator Yvonne Wolf will tell us about the Chinese calendar in relation to the Chinese New Year, meaning behind decorations, and how...
Mr. Freeze Cryogenics Demonstration
Mr. Freeze Cryogenics Demonstration
The Mr. Freeze Demonstration shows the interesting and fun properties of cryogenics using Liquid Nitrogen (LN2). It is an exciting science based demonstration with lots of surprises and a few explosions. Lots of different properties and effects of the extreme cold are demonstrated and explained. Make learning science fun for everyone and encouraging kids to...
Trail Blazers Preschool Open House
Trail Blazers Preschool Open House
Come meet our amazing Early Childhood teachers, tour the classroom and see what the Trail Blazers Program is all about. Priority registration will take place at Open House for 2024-2025 school year.
Story Jam
Story Jam
Geared for ages 0-5 with caregiver. Let's read and make music together! No registration required.
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Imagination Playground
Imagination Playground
Drop in to our little 'neighborhood of make believe' for an hour of imaginative freeplay! From cardboard boxes to play food, we'll put out some basics to inspire pretend play. The rest is up to you.
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Admission is free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays), November 27–December 22, 2023, as well as January 8–March 22, 2024. If you reserve your free tickets online in advance, your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in...
Merry Tutors
Merry Tutors
Looking for free homework help for your student? Drop in for tutoring sessions with volunteers from The Merry Tutor! Grades K - 12. The Merry Tutor is a volunteer organization providing free tutoring and homework help for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. High school volunteer tutors will assist students with core subject areas, including...
Origami Club, Juniors
Origami Club, Juniors
Origami is a leisure activity that develops hand-eye coordination, sequencing skills, mathematical reasoning, memory, and patience. In February, we will create origami hearts. Ages 6-11.
Preschool Preview
Preschool Preview
Here’s your chance to preview our state-licensed preschools. Our preschool staff members will be available to answer questions about the programs. Children are welcome to come along and explore the classroom. Preschool Preview will be held at all preschool sites: Birchwood • 435 W. Illinois Avenue Eagle Park • 1425 N. Oak Street Maple Park...
Groundhog Day Craft
Groundhog Day Craft
Drop-in between 10-11 a.m. to celebrate Groundhog Day by making a groundhog craft!
Black Celebration Storytime
Black Celebration Storytime
In honor of Black History Month, join us for a storytime featuring books by black authors and illustrators.
Mandarin Chinese Story Time
Mandarin Chinese Story Time
The Language Labs will be here for a Chinese language story time, followed by basic Chinese instruction and a craft. Register one name per family. Program Room.
Preschool Play and Learn – Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Preschool Play and Learn – Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Here is a chance for preschoolers and their grown-ups to play and learn together. Different early childhood learning skills will be covered each month. This month is social and emotion learning – Don’t Worry. Be Happy! Let’s learn about emotions, self-control, making friends, social skills, and attention and learning. You will have fun meeting other...
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Free Admission for Illinois Residents
Admission is free for Illinois residents on weekdays (Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays), November 27–December 22, 2023, as well as January 8–March 22, 2024. If you reserve your free tickets online in advance, your resident status will be verified using the zip code associated with the billing address provided. If you’re unable to reserve tickets in...
Elmhurst Art Museum Free Day
Elmhurst Art Museum Free Day
Free admission on the First Friday of each month during A Love Supreme (Jan. 20 - April 28) thanks to our exhibition sponsors and museum patrons. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Preschool Conversation Hour
Preschool Conversation Hour
Got a chatty child? Drop in for some fun activities designed to help your preschooler practice their social-emotional skills, gross motor skills, along with language and conversational skills. Ages 3-5 years old with a caregiver. No registration required.
Homeschool Hangout
Homeschool Hangout
Get to know some other homeschool families in the area while playing games, trying out hands-on activities, and more!
First Friday: Learn Latin Dances
First Friday: Learn Latin Dances
Join us as Desueño Dance teaches us beginner steps to popular Latin Dances! Bring your dancing shoes, comfy clothes, and a water bottle! If you're looking for a fun and healthy addition to your routine, join Desueño Dance to learn beginner steps for popular dances like Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. Explore the diverse origins of...
First Fridays
First Fridays
First Fridays is a night of art, fun, music, dance, and community at local businesses and venues in downtown Aurora on the first Friday evening of the month. First Fridays in Downtown Aurora invites the community to enjoy art, music, food, theater, and more on the first Friday of the month. First Friday venues have...
Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival
Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival
Join in the fun this year! The Annual Ice Fest Downtown Downers Grove will be held February 2-4, 2024. The Ice Festival will be a weekend of outdoor fun! Don’t miss the return of the Friday Night ice carving demonstration on Friday evening, 5:30-7:30pm at the corner of Main and Curtiss. Enjoy live ice carving...
First Friday: Love Songs
First Friday: Love Songs
Love is in the air! Enjoy classic & timeless long songs from the 20s - 60s performed by vocalist Petra van Nuis, make a love bug craft, try a Valentine treat, register to vote, and more!
Flying High Pizza Fun Night
Flying High Pizza Fun Night
Come join us for three hours of FUN! Parents can snag a little kid-free time on the first Friday of every month from 7:00-10:00pm! We'll play, eat, hang and burn all of that extra energy! The fun includes our 60 ft. inflatable obstacle course, trampolines, foam pits, open gym, games, pizza, and lemonade! Register below!...
FOL Children’s Winter Book Sale
FOL Children’s Winter Book Sale
The children's sale features kids and teen fiction, nonfiction books, EZ readers, board books, DVD movies, audiobooks and music CDs for children. Most Children’s books are 50 cents, and most Children’s AV materials are $1, or as priced. Scanning is not permitted. On Sunday there is an $8 bag sale (no teacher discount). There is...
Chocolate Walk
Macaroni Soup Concert
Macaroni Soup Concert
What Is Macaroni Soup!? Music and Movement activities kids can sing, dance and do! Education for Parents, Care-Givers, Teachers and Professionals who work with children Classes, Concerts, Workshops, In-Services, Family Nights, Musical Theater camp, Birthday parties, Festivals... and more!
Illinois Reads Book Festival
Illinois Reads Book Festival
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, the Illinois Reading Council will host the Illinois Reads Book Festival from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Westmont High School, 909 Oakwood Drive, Westmont, Illinois. Plan now to bring your families, students, and all book lovers to this fun and free event. Many authors will be present. Bring your...
Chinese New Year Celebration
Chinese New Year Celebration
Let's celebrate the Year of the Dragon! Hosted by District 204 students, activities will include lantern-making, calligraphy, chopsticks racing, a documentary, and more. Ages 6+. Please come and enjoy the Chinese New Year Celebration activities hosted by IPSD District 204 high schools' Chinese Honor Societies. Caregivers will also enjoy a documentary film titled About Dear...
Preschool Open House
Preschool Open House
Welcome to our Preschool! We believe that children learn best through play. Our experienced staff guides children through weekly emergent topics, providing rich, process-based activities for them to explore. Our smaller classroom sizes and positive school culture inspires children to build a confident, compassionate and curious spirit. Children practice their early literacy skills using the...
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 3 – November 23, 2023: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 4 – December 19, 2023: Mondays and Tuesdays January 2 – February 29, 2024: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Ice-A-Palooza
Ice-A-Palooza
Ice-A-Palooza is a free outdoor event featuring skating, entertainment, food truck, character visits and more!
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing
Explore the Preserves via snowshoe! If conditions are not favorable for snowshoeing (4” or more of packed snow), hikes and other activities will be offered.
Winterfest
Winterfest
Winterfest is still happening! We’re moving the fun INDOORS! Bring the whole family for some good old-fashioned family fun! The fun includes: Spin art Snowball slingshot Iceless curling Family obstacle course Giant games Archery Family photo station Hockey slap shot Family crafts Parent/Tot gymnastics Ninja obstacle course Snowball fights Fountaindale Public Library sponsored activities including...
Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival
Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival
Join in the fun this year! The Annual Ice Fest Downtown Downers Grove will be held February 2-4, 2024. The Ice Festival will be a weekend of outdoor fun! Don’t miss the return of the Friday Night ice carving demonstration on Friday evening, 5:30-7:30pm at the corner of Main and Curtiss. Enjoy live ice carving...
The Amazing Puzzle Race
The Amazing Puzzle Race
Gather a team and sign up for our Great Puzzle Race! Teams of up to 5 people are invited to register and complete at 500 piece puzzle. The fastest team receives a prize! RULES TO REGSITER: We will have room for up to 10 teams, up to 5 people each. When registering, register your Team...
Winterfest Pop-Up Event
Winterfest Pop-Up Event
Enjoy old fashioned fun in the snow with outdoor games, music, and a warm fire pit on the patio. Inside the Nature Center, make a winter-themed nature craft! All ages welcome! Admission is FREE. No registration required.
Fishing: Hard Water Classic
Fishing: Hard Water Classic
Take part in the only competitive ice-fishing tournament in DuPage, and then stick around for door prizes and awards. Bring your own equipment and bait. All ages; under 18 with an adult. $20 per person in advance; $25 at the event. Register online or at 630-933-7248.
Family Karaoke/Karaoke para la Familia
Family Karaoke/Karaoke para la Familia
Bring your whole family to a karaoke afternoon! Complete fun activities as you wait to sing in Spanish or English. Fancy dress and costumes are encouraged! (Babies–Grade 5 with an adult)
Babysitting Workshop
Babysitting Workshop
Join Early Childhood Educator Sara Consdorf and GHS students at hands-on learning stations for those looking to build their childcare skills.
Victorian Valentines
Victorian Valentines
Valentines of the Victorian era were treasured keepsakes, incorporating feathers, beads, and bits of fabric. Create your own Victorian-style valentines in a fun, afternoon workshop. Free event, suggested donation of $3/participant. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Making Valentine’s Special for Kids: Kits to Go, Daddy-Daughter Dances, and...
Winter Fest
Winter Fest
Don’t let cabin fever give your family the winter blues. Enjoy a FREE afternoon of frozen winter fun! Be sure to bundle up because this indoor/outdoor event is full of hot chocolate, games, crafts, winter demonstrations like dog sledding and ice carving, visits from special guests and more!
Old Time Barn Dance
Old Time Barn Dance
Enjoy a fun-filled time of music and dancing for the entire family. Hosted by Plank Road Folk Music Society and Two-Way Street Coffee House. The Plank Road String Band will provide lively music and a caller will walk you through all the dances. No Experience Necessary! Come by for some good ol' fun! Admission is...
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Click on the button above to submit an event to the Kidlist calendar. We welcome everyone to submit events, given that they are family-friendly, free and/or drop-in, and are local for families in the west and northwest suburbs of Chicago. All submitted events are reviewed by the Kidlist team.