Happier Now Storytime with Scattering Joy
Happier Now Cafe and Market 1016 E 31st Street, La Grange ParkFamily Concert Series: Northside Brass Quintet In-Person
Poplar Creek Public Library 1405 S. Park Avenue, StreamwoodWeek of Events
Wonder Works for Everyone
Wonder Works for Everyone
During Wonder Works for Everyone play sessions, the museum opens an hour hourly for an accessible and inclusive environment. Each Wonder Works for Everyone session requires pre-registration for a limited number of families so that we can best prepare the Wonder Works environment for a sensory friendly play session. We will have two sensory friendly...
Geneva French Market
Geneva French Market
European-style market offers unique eats, treats and treasures in Geneva. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Farmer’s Markets.
Happier Now Storytime with Scattering Joy
Happier Now Storytime with Scattering Joy
Come listen to a story and do a related activity. Chef Andrea even puts an item on the children’s menu related to the book. No purchase necessary to participate in the story time or activity.
Budding Botanists
Budding Botanists
Watch out as you explore the Conservatory – you may run into a Budding Botanists! on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 3:00pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with...
Tractor-Drawn Wagon Ride
Tractor-Drawn Wagon Ride
Enjoy a 30-minute ride while learning about the forest preserve’s heritage and natural areas. Rides begin at 1, 1:45, and 2:30 p.m. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $5 per person ages 5 and up; under 5 free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-580-7025.
Sugar Shack Time Machine
Sugar Shack Time Machine
Travel through time as we open our sugar shack and learn about the history of maple syrup. Register by 11/7.
Family Concert Series: Northside Brass Quintet In-Person
Family Concert Series: Northside Brass Quintet In-Person
Ryan Hobbs and friends are bringing their professional brass quintet, playing classical, jazz and Dixieland. From Beethoven to Frank Sinatra and Motown, there is something for everyone! All ages are welcome; registration is required.
What’s On The Menu?
What’s On The Menu?
Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Free Parking Day – Veterans Day
Free Parking Day – Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, Cantigny will be offering free parking.
Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
The Museum offers free days to Illinois residents throughout the year, including commemorative days like Presidents’ Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Fourth of July. Upcoming 2024 Illinois resident FREE days include: August 28; September 2, 25; October 14, 23; November 5, 11, 20; December 18 For information on more events like this,...
Spanish Language Storytime
Spanish Language Storytime
Drop in with your little one to enjoy songs and stories in Spanish. Presented by The Language Labs. 0 – 6 years with a caregiver
Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents
Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR NON-MEMBERS. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year. Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days. For information...
West Chicago Library Storytimes
West Chicago Library Storytimes
The West Chicago Public Library District and Cantigny invite you to a special Storytime this Veterans Day! It’s a day to honor and thank all the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces — whether in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard. Library staff...
Free Hours for Illinois Residents
Free Hours for Illinois Residents
Admission is free for Illinois residents on Thursday evenings, 5:00–8:00, June 6–September 26. You can 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 advance, please stop by the admissions desks on the day...
Sensory-Friendly Storytime
Sensory-Friendly Storytime
Enjoy a quieter, slower-paced storytime geared towards children with sensory issues who may be overwhelmed in a traditional storytime setting. Books and activities will be designed for children with sensory sensitivities. Ages 3-7 with an adult caregiver. Limit 10 child/caregiver pairs.
Lego Club
Lego Club
Head to the Bolingbrook Historical Museum for some LEGO fun! You can build with friends or try one of our building challenges. We supply the bricks and you supply the imagination. (Grades 1–5)
LEGOMania
LEGOMania
Show off your creativity and engineering skills with some free-form brick building fun! We'll provide the LEGO bricks, the rest is up to you. Drop in.
Fun for All: Board Games
Fun for All: Board Games
Come play the board games we have available and/or bring a favorite board game and teach others how to play! Walk-ins of all ages and abilities are welcome.
Dinovember Movie Mondays
Dinovember Movie Mondays
Join us at 5 p.m. on Monday evenings for a month-long celebration of Dinovember and watch classic dinosaur movies from throughout the decades. Our first showing will be the timeless class The Land Before Time (Rated G, 1988). For children of all ages and their caregivers, dino-rrific snacks will be provided!. Then, don’t miss the...
LEGO Squad
LEGO Squad
Ready, Set, BUILD! Join the LEGO Squad! We'll provide the LEGO bricks then you show off your skills. Best for ages 8-11. If your child is age 8 or younger, please remain near the Youth Program Room in case your child needs assistance. Caregivers of older children are always encouraged to stay in the library...
Noche de la Familia
Noche de la Familia
Únete a nosotros durante una hora de historias, canciones y comunidad en esta celebración semanal de la cultura y la familia hispana.
Family Game Night
Family Game Night
Whether your family prefers board games, card games, or anything in between, we've got something everyone will enjoy! Games vary from session to session. Caregiver participation is required. Limit 50 participants. No registration is required. Participants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
International Book Club
International Book Club
English learners can practice their conversation skills with other readers while discussing a diverse range of novels. Each moth, we’ll be featuring a book focusing on immigrant and international stories. Grades 5-8. No registration required.
$1 Movie Mondays
$1 Movie Mondays
Enjoy the classics of modern cinema on the magnificent two-story screen at Paramount Theatre…for the incredibly low price of just $1 per ticket! Buy tickets at the door. Cash only ($20 bills or less). Concessions available for purchase. Credit/debit cards accepted at concessions. Movies and showtimes are subject to change. Please check back here for...
Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents
Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR NON-MEMBERS. The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a number of Free Admission Days for Illinois residents each year. Preregistration for nonmembers is required and will extend until the Garden is at capacity; parking fees apply. Visitors can preregister up to two months in advance for free admission days. For information...
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 1 - November 26, 2024: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 2 - December 24, 2024: Mondays and Tuesdays January 3 - February 27, 2025: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Museum of Contemporary Art Free Day
Museum of Contemporary Art Free Day
Illinois residents receive free admission on Tuesdays. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Dinosaur Lanterns
Dinosaur Lanterns
A fun glow-in-the-dark craft for dinosaur loving kids of all ages! We will use jars, paint and dinosaur silhouette shapes to create a super fun décor piece for your room.
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds from the residents of Misericordia – Heart of Mercy.
Button Maker Fun
Button Maker Fun
Stop by and use our button maker to create pins, magnets, and keychains! You can choose to use old book pages or create your own art. This is a drop-in event. Feel free to stop by between 3pm and 6pm to participate.
Dino Sensory
Dino Sensory
Calling all budding Paleontologists! Join us for a fun afternoon of dinosaur sensory play. We will dig for fossils at our own excavation site, learn to move like dinosaurs, create a dino craft and more. Be prepared to get a little messy as we play and have fun.
Pokémon Club
Pokémon Club
Meet to play and talk Pokémon with other trainers. Participants are welcome to bring along Pokémon art, cards or other Pokémon items for show and tell. Ages 6 and older, caregiver participation required.
Crafternoon
Crafternoon
Let’s get artsy and crafty! Each session we will complete a craft or piece of art that you’ll take home at the end. Recommended age: 6-11 years
Night Dives: Illinois Resident Free Evenings
Night Dives: Illinois Resident Free Evenings
Our Illinois Resident Free Days include access to all open animal and permanent exhibit and seasonal Stingray Touch. Take a deeper look at our current available exhibits here. We offer several reservation options for Free Days. For those who prefer to plan ahead, online ticket reservations are available with a $5 convenience fee per order....
Family Lotería
Family Lotería
Families with Children. Registration is required. Play an old family favorite with us and win a free book! Lotería, or Mexican bingo, is a great way to practice Spanish vocabulary while having fun. Familias con niños. Es necesario registrarse. ¡Ven a jugar a un viejo favorito de la familia! ¡Lotería, o bingo Mexicano, es una...
Family Board Game Night
Family Board Game Night
Join us for some good old-fashioned fun! Bring along your favorite game or puzzle from home, or use one from GPLD's collection!
Chess Club
Chess Club
Drop in, learn, play, and have fun developing strategies with Brad Smith, retired teacher and chess expert. Chess Club welcomes newbies, novices and chess masters. Walk-ins welcome!
Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
Free Wednesdays are the perfect opportunity for you to explore our general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Adventure through the wilderness on a desert safari, explore ancient civilizations, and come face-to-face with prehistoric creatures— all in one place. The Field Museum has so much to explore, you’ll need more...
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day
Wednesdays are Free Admission Days sponsored by RBC Wealth Management. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Wee Wonders
Wee Wonders
Learn about nature through music, movement, stories, and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult. Sep 11: Gardening Oct 9: Changing Colors Nov 13: Bats
Stories at the Nature Center
Stories at the Nature Center
Children are invited to hear stories at the Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. After the program, explore the Nature Center and walk the trails. Cosponsored with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.
DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days
DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days
DuSable Museum of African-American history is free to Illinois residents to visit on Wednesdays. We also give free admission to military and to first responders. That means Police, Fire, EMT’s. With valid ID. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Days
Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Days
The Adler is excited to announce that we will be free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm (our new Wednesday hours.) Stop by after work or school, or for date night and enjoy everything the Adler has to offer at night, for free as part of our Illinois...
Wild Wednesdays
Wild Wednesdays
Wild Wednesdays are back for the season at Garfield Park Conservatory! Join Family Programs staff outdoors in Play and Grow Garden for free, drop-in activities, such as fort building, bug hunts, chalk drawing, and more! Find us every Wednesday evening from 4:00-7:30 pm. Just head outside through our Desert House doors and follow the giant...
LEGO Builders
LEGO Builders
This open LEGO play session is designed to let kids’ imaginations lead the way. LEGOs and challenges are provided. For Grades K–4.
Intergenerational Bunco Buddies
Intergenerational Bunco Buddies
Sign your child up to play a few rounds of the dice game bunco with a senior buddy during this intergenerational program.
LEGO Club
LEGO Club
Drop by the library and build with LEGO. Each Wednesday we will have a different LEGO challenge you can try, or build whatever you want!
Polski Dwujezyczny Storytime: Polish Bilingual Storytime
Polski Dwujezyczny Storytime: Polish Bilingual Storytime
Zapraszamy na opowieści, piosenki i rękodzieło w języku polskim i angielskim. Enjoy stories, songs and a craft in Polish and English.
Milk and Cookie Storytime
Milk and Cookie Storytime
Dynamic session promoting child and grownup bonding through creating, singing, playing, and sharing stories together. After the story session, enjoy milk and cookies followed by open play. Twenty name tags (children only). For kids of all ages and their grownups.
Evening Movie Showing: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Evening Movie Showing: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Mr. and Mrs. Fox live a happy home life underground with their eccentric son Ash. Mr. Fox works as a journalist, but against the advice of Badger, his attorney, he moves his family into a larger and finer home inside a tree on a hill. The treehouse has an excellent view of the nearby farms...
T-Rexplorers
T-Rexplorers
Get a glimpse of what it’s like to go on a Paleontological dig and see authentic dinosaur fossils from species like Triceratops and T-Rex. Come 15 minutes early to meet “Ranger” in the parking lot! Stay late to explore the fossils.
Storytime at the Museum
Storytime at the Museum
Spark your child’s imagination with stories, songs and other fun activities. After storytime, learn more about our village as you browse through the exhibits. (Ages 2–6 with an adult)
Chat and Play Cafe
Chat and Play Cafe
Ages birth-24 months with a caregiver. Drop in when you can and stay as long as you want for unstructured playtime. Enjoy coffee, a sweet treat and conversation while the little ones explore.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day
We are pleased to offer weekly Donation Days—every Thursday the museum is open—for Illinois residents. Illinois residents can enjoy free admission during these Donation Days, or support us with a $10 suggested household donation at the time of admission. Illinois residents can reserve their Donation Day tickets online or in person. For information on...
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
Free admission is available to guests on the following dates: October 1 - November 26, 2024: Tuesdays and Thursdays December 2 - December 24, 2024: Mondays and Tuesdays January 3 - February 27, 2025: Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays For more information about events like these, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Cuentos en Español
Archery
Dinosaur Party
Dinosaur Party
Stomp on down to the Library for some RAWR-some dinosaur games and activities. Drop-in event for families with children of all ages.
Bilingual Story Times
Bilingual Story Times
Join us for a Bilingual Story Times with The Language Labs. Explore a new language with songs, dances, games, activities, riddles, and rhymes! Friday, October 18 | 10:30 - Polish Story Time Friday, November 15 | 10:30 - Italian Story Time Friday, December 13 | 10:30 - Korean Story Time
Scales-N-Tales Storytime
Scales-N-Tales Storytime
Start your Friday morning off at the library with a fun storytime all about animals. A new animal each week! Some bilingual Spanish.
Favorite Character’s Club: Owl Diaries
Favorite Character’s Club: Owl Diaries
Attention all Owl Diaries fans! Drop by anytime between 4pm- 6pm for a special event dedicated to all things Owl Diaries. Whether you’re eager to talk about your favorite characters or share what you love most about the series, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow fans. You can participate in fun, interactive...
Build and Watch: Encanto
Build and Watch: Encanto
Enjoy a movie night at the library and have fun building with LEGO bricks and other various toys! Today's feature is Encanto (PG). The movie will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles. For families. Register to save your spot but walk-ins are welcome if there is space to accommodate.
Friends Holiday Book Sale
Friends Holiday Book Sale
Just in time for the holidays! All items have been specially selected for this sale so you can find the right gift for the adults, teens, and children on your list. Browse a wide variety of quality, multi genre, used books, music, movies, games, and more. Funds raised will help the Friends of the Library...
Wheaton French Market
Wheaton French Market
Fresh flowers, artisan foods, music. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Farmer’s Markets.
Noon Lions Club Free Vision Screening
Noon Lions Club Free Vision Screening
Aurora Noon Lions Club provides free vision screening for children. Primarily aimed at 6 months to 6 years old although useful up to age 16. According to the American Public Health Association, about 10% of preschoolers have eye or vision problems. The screener is meant for early detection of the following eye disorders but not...
Family Explorers: Trees at Crabtree Nature Center
Family Explorers: Trees at Crabtree Nature Center
Explore different types of local trees! We will also read Before We Stood Tall by Jessica Kulekjian and Madeline Kloepper. Register. 3 Stover Rd, Barrington. Weather permitting.
Lowe’s Kids’ Workshops
Lowe’s Kids’ Workshops
Workshops are hosted by our Red Vests from 10:00am – 1:00pm, in-store only. Don't forget Builder Recognition – attendance must be validated by an associate for credit. Confirm you have selected the correct store, date, time and number of mini-DIYers. Submitted registrations cannot be edited or undone. We look forward to building with you and...
Saturday Morning Cartoon Party
Saturday Morning Cartoon Party
Kids are invited to spend the morning with snacks and a movie. October 19: Hotel Transylvania November 16: The Goofy Movie
Family Yoga Storytime
Family Yoga Storytime
Gather your family and roll out your mat for a story and some stretches! We will do stretches and poses inspired by our picture book, while practicing breathing techniques and relaxation. Please bring yoga mats if you have them. A limited number of loaner mats will be available. Registration opens 3 weeks before the program....
T-Rexplorers
T-Rexplorers
Celebrate DINOVEMBER with the T-Rexplorers as they bring the museum to the library! Come out and touch authentic dinosaur fossils, hear stories from their digs and see some of their latest finds!
Meet Daisy From Nature Cat
Meet Daisy From Nature Cat
Our friend Daisy the bunny will be at the Nature Museum from 10:30am to 1:30pm! Stop by to meet and get your photo taken with Daisy, and then have a blast in the exhibit Nature Cat: Backyard and Beyond! Don’t forget to pick up a WTTW Kids giveaway! No registration necessary, this activity is free...
Dudes and Donuts
Dudes and Donuts
Come for the donuts, stay for the conversation. Bring the kiddos for activities and coloring, have a donut, and chat with other dudes about whatever comes to mind.
Free Family Holiday Movies
Free Family Holiday Movies
Join us for these free family movies throughout the months on November and December at Glen Art Theatre!
Storytime with RABBITS
Storytime with RABBITS
Listen to rabbit stories and meet & greet live rabbit friends. Register for only one session of this program. Sessions at 10:30am - 10:55am and 11:00am - 11:25am
Budding Botanists
Budding Botanists
Watch out as you explore the Conservatory – you may run into a Budding Botanists! on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 3:00pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with...
Super Saturday: Macaroni Soup with Miss Carole
Super Saturday: Macaroni Soup with Miss Carole
Macaroni Soup with Miss Carole is brain food and body fuel. Educational and active music that is fun for the whole family. TR = Ticket registration. Limit: 120. Free tickets distributed 30 minutes before the program on a first-come, first-served basis at the Youth Services Desk.
Library Birthday Party
Library Birthday Party
Families with Children. Registration is required. The Berwyn Public Library is turning 100 years old! Party with us and our friend Smarty Pants the balloon entertainer! After seeing his hilarious Big Balloon Show, we'll sing happy birthday to the library and enjoy cake. Familias con niños. Es necesario registrarse. ¡La Biblioteca de Berwyn cumple 100...
Tiny Great Performances
Tiny Great Performances
Tiny Great Performances™ bring professional and community performers to the Museum to promote a life-long love of the arts in children and their families. Performances feature a variety of subjects including dance, music, storytelling, theatre, and more. Tiny Great Performances are designed to be an integration of play and performance. Guests are welcome to stop,...
Santa Arrives by Helicopter
Santa Arrives by Helicopter
Winston Plaza invites the community of Melrose Park to a complimentary Holiday Event! Santa lands via helicopter at Winston Plaza on Saturday, November 16th, 2024 at 12pm noon sharp! Activites and family fun to follow! Enjoy a magic show, face painting, kids crafts and more! Get your free photo with Sanata with a $25 or...
Di-November Party
Di-November Party
STOMP, don't run, to this di-nomite party celebrating all things Jurassic Park/World and dinosaurs. There will be snacks, activities, and prizes to win! Registration Required. Ages 4-12 years old with caregiver.
We Dig Dinos
Family Day: Mini Murals
Family Day: Mini Murals
In celebration of Rafael Blanco’s works as a public artist, fabricate a mural with various media on your own mini paper “wall”. Participants can adapt large-scale techniques to a smaller scale. Included with museum admission; members are free.
Tractor-Drawn Wagon Ride
Tractor-Drawn Wagon Ride
Enjoy a 30-minute ride while learning about the forest preserve’s heritage and natural areas. Rides begin at 1, 1:45, and 2:30 p.m. All ages; under 13 with an adult. $5 per person ages 5 and up; under 5 free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-580-7025.
Train Saturdays
Train Saturdays
The HO Gauge Model Train is operated by the DuPage Society of Model Engineers on the third and fifth Saturday of each month. The model features a detailed layout that covers 2,000 feet of track and highlights some of DuPage County’s railroads and landmarks in a landscape that blends fact and fantasy.
Dinosaur Discoveries
Dinosaur Discoveries
Learn about T-Rexplorer’s latest dig and see authentic dinosaur bones! Arrive at 1:45 pm for a chance to meet Ranger the T-Rex just outside the library front doors! Please register all attendees, adults and children, for this event. For grades k-5 and their grownups.
Pokemon Fun
What’s On The Menu?
What’s On The Menu?
Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.
Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks
Santa’s Arrival and Fireworks
Count down with Santa as he turns on the holiday lights & enjoy a fireworks show with a finale honoring veterans. Event sponsored by The Village of Deer Park. SANTA’ S ARRIVAL & TREE LIGHTING Enjoy a special performance by Those Funny Little People starting at 6PM! Santa arrives in the Lake Zurich fire truck...
Holiday Magic in Motion
Holiday Magic in Motion
Welcome the Holiday Season with our Free Celebration! It’s time to begin celebrating the holiday season, and we have a wonderful event that’s perfect for the entire family. Enjoy Holiday Magic in Motion displays throughout the center. Visit Santa and snap a photo for memories that will last a lifetime (located inside the former American...