Week of Events
Bloomingdale Maker’s Market
Bloomingdale Maker’s Market
The Bloomingdale Maker's Market was started in the Summer of 2020 by Alicia Eisenmann of Delish Cakes. The market was called "Maker's Market" and was created as a safe space for people to sell their goods during Covid. What started with 12-18 vendors in 2020 quickly grew to 60 vendors for the 2021 season. The...
Natureโs Art Box
Budding Botanists
Budding Botanists
Watch out as you explore the Conservatory โ 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...
Trading Card Club
Trading Card Club
Drop-in event recommended for children in grades 1-12. Battle, duel, and trade with your favorite collectible card games. Whether you enjoy Pokรฉmon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, or Magic the Gathering, this is the club for you.
Holiday Happening
Holiday Happening
Join us as we celebrate the holidays with our Holiday Happening event! Tree lighting celebration, Crafts, Trackless Train, Fun Activities. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Holiday Walks and Tree Lighting Ceremonies.
Pet Photos with Santa
Pet Photos with Santa
Bring your pets to pose with Santa! Your pets are part of the family too, so don't miss this fun opportunity for them to see Santa too! Sunday, November 24th from 6:30PM - 8PM Sunday, December 1st from 7:30PM - 9PM Pet Photos will be located at The Ice Palace. Photos will be taken and...
Nature Discovery Days
Nature Discovery Days
Discover the owls that live in our area year-round and the ones that might visit during the winter months. Investigate the amazing adaptations owls possess to hunt at night, play owl games, make an owl craft, touch owl feathers, read books about owls and more! Free, drop-in program Self-guided activity stations Designed for ages 4-10...
Boredom Busters
Boredom Busters
Enjoy dinosaur puzzles, games, and coloring pages on the activity tables in the Youth Area. Grades 1 and up. Drop in.
Amazing Owls – Free Nature Discovery Days
Amazing Owls – Free Nature Discovery Days
Discover the owls that live in our area year-round and the ones that might visit during the winter months. Investigate the amazing adaptations owls possess to hunt at night, play owl games, make an owl craft, touch owl feathers, read books about owls and more! Free, drop-in program Self-guided activity stations Designed for ages 4-10...
DIY Slime
DIY Slime
Make some slime to take home! This is a drop-in event. Feel free to stop by between 10am and 12pm to participate. While supplies last.
Let’s Build
Let’s Build
Put on your hard hats and get ready to build with us! Stay as long or as little as you want as we build with different materials.
Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Enjoy one-of-a-kind entertainment that will get kids laughing while inspiring them to create, experiment, and try new things. Best for ages 4 and older with their families. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Bookmarks and Booktalks Drop-In
Bookmarks and Booktalks Drop-In
For grades K-4. Hear about new library books from a Willowbrook police officer and make your own bookmark.
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, donโt miss the...
Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Enjoy one-of-a-kind entertainment that will get kids laughing while inspiring them to create, experiment, and try new things. Best for ages 4 and older with their families. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Noche de la Familia
Noche de la Familia
รnete a nosotros durante una hora de historias, canciones y comunidad en esta celebraciรณn semanal de la cultura y la familia hispana.
Family Karaoke
Family Karaoke
Come make some noise and belt out some favorite songs on our karaoke machine! No registration required.
$1 Movie Mondays
$1 Movie Mondays
Enjoy the classics of modern cinema on the magnificent two-story screen at Paramount Theatreโฆfor 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...
Amazing Owls – Free Nature Discovery Days
Amazing Owls – Free Nature Discovery Days
Discover the owls that live in our area year-round and the ones that might visit during the winter months. Investigate the amazing adaptations owls possess to hunt at night, play owl games, make an owl craft, touch owl feathers, read books about owls and more! Free, drop-in program Self-guided activity stations Designed for ages 4-10...
Nature Discovery Days
Nature Discovery Days
Discover the owls that live in our area year-round and the ones that might visit during the winter months. Investigate the amazing adaptations owls possess to hunt at night, play owl games, make an owl craft, touch owl feathers, read books about owls and more! Free, drop-in program Self-guided activity stations Designed for ages 4-10...
Boredom Busters
Boredom Busters
Enjoy dinosaur puzzles, games, and coloring pages on the activity tables in the Youth Area. Grades 1 and up. Drop in.
Stay and Play: Thankful Feast
Stay and Play: Thankful Feast
We're feeling grateful at this drop-in playtime, which features a special theme to pretend play, craft, and have tons of delicious November fun. Best for ages 2-7 with their families. Children can learn about their world and have hands-on fun exploring specially themed toys and activities. We'll create a child-size world that's the perfect space...
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.
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.
Wildlife Connections
Wildlife Connections
Stop by the visitor center to learn about reptiles, mammals, and birds from the residents of Misericordia โ Heart of Mercy.
Thanksgiving Table Crafts
Thanksgiving Table Crafts
Set your Thanksgiving table with a few special, festive touches! We will be making a fun felt pumpkin pie table runner and kraft paper silverware bag with autumn leaf place cards.
Stay and Play: Thankful Feast
Stay and Play: Thankful Feast
We're feeling grateful at this drop-in playtime, which features a special theme to pretend play, craft, and have tons of delicious November fun. Best for ages 2-7 with their families. Children can learn about their world and have hands-on fun exploring specially themed toys and activities. We'll create a child-size world that's the perfect space...
Thanksgiving Storytime
Family Crafternoons
Family Crafternoons
Drop-in event for families with children of all ages. Get crafty at the Library! Use available supplies to design your own creation to take home.
The Wicked Movie Premiere Party
The Wicked Movie Premiere Party
Celebrate the premiere of the Wicked film by participating in games and activities all about the beloved musical.
LEGO Club
LEGO Club
Show off your brick building skills with this fun activity. Join other LEGOยฎ fans to share ideas and free build. Ages 4 and up. Drop in.
Turkey Day Crafts
Turkey Day Crafts
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, join us as we make turkey themed crafts to celebrate!
The Floor is Lava
The Floor is Lava
Oh no! The floor is lava in the Saeli Community Room (Large Meeting Room). Can you escape unscathed from the lava and DINOSAURS?! Find out on Tuesday, November 26th at 4:30 pm.
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....
Pokรฉmon Trainers’ Club
Pokรฉmon Trainers’ Club
Bring your own Pokemon cards, battle at our Pokemon Go gym, or bring your Nintendo DS to play with other trainers! No registration required. Ages 7 and older.
Sensory Storytime
Sensory Storytime
Enjoy a welcoming and sensory-friendly storytime for children with autism, neurodivergence and physical disabilities. Please register so we can ensure a comfortable sensory experience. (All ages)
Family LEGO Club
Family LEGO Club
Bring your imagination and create with Legos. Limit: 25. TR = Ticket registration. Free tickets distributed 30 minutes before the program on a first-come, first-served basis at the Youth Services Desk.
Family Movie Night
Family Movie Night
Dress in comfy clothes, bring a comfy pillow or blanket, and join us for a movie! We'll have some snacks available and you're welcome to bring your own. Our sensory items and activities will be available to use during the movie. No registration required.
Amazing Owls – Free Nature Discovery Days
Amazing Owls – Free Nature Discovery Days
Discover the owls that live in our area year-round and the ones that might visit during the winter months. Investigate the amazing adaptations owls possess to hunt at night, play owl games, make an owl craft, touch owl feathers, read books about owls and more! Free, drop-in program Self-guided activity stations Designed for ages 4-10...
Boredom Busters
Boredom Busters
Enjoy dinosaur puzzles, games, and coloring pages on the activity tables in the Youth Area. Grades 1 and up. Drop in.
Nature Discovery Days
Nature Discovery Days
Discover the owls that live in our area year-round and the ones that might visit during the winter months. Investigate the amazing adaptations owls possess to hunt at night, play owl games, make an owl craft, touch owl feathers, read books about owls and more! Free, drop-in program Self-guided activity stations Designed for ages 4-10...
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 creaturesโ all in one place. The Field Museum has so much to explore, youโll need more...
Triceratops Handprint Card
Triceratops Handprint Card
Stop by to make a simple craft with your child. Each week explores a different topic to spark your child's creativity and curiosity. Ages 3-7. While supplies last. Drop in.
Drop-In Craft: Turkey Time
Drop-In Craft: Turkey Time
Drop-in craft activities available beginning at 10 a.m. while supplies last. Children ages 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
The Magic of Gary Kantor
The Magic of Gary Kantor
Come watch a thrilling and entertaining magic show by Gary Kantor. Gary's magic has been enjoyed by over 500,000 children. This show is packed with vanishing acts, mind-reading tricks, and a variety of hilarious tricks that will have the children rolling on the floor with laughter. The show is appropriate for all ages (even the...
Family Movie: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Family Movie: Harold and the Purple Crayon
Bring the family to watch Harold and the Purple Crayon on our big screen. Wigglers and wailers welcome. Enjoy popcorn and movie-friendly activities, too. Drop in. Meeting Room.
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.
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, EMTโs. With valid ID. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.
Giant Coloring
Giant Coloring
Come color with us on giant paper! Stop by anytime between 12:00 โ 4:00. Stop by anytime between 12:00 โ 4:00 to color with us. No registration required.
Magic Of Gary Kantor
Magic Of Gary Kantor
Enjoy a thrilling and hilarious magic show packed with vanishing acts, mind reading tricks, and fun. For children of ages 3+ and their caregivers. ** ** Ticketed program. Tickets are available 30 minutes before the program at the Children's Services Desk.
Family Movie – Moana
Family Movie – Moana
Join us for the first Moana movie. Bring a blanket and pillow to enjoy a movie on our giant screen! Closed Captioning is provided
Evening Movie Showing: The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Evening Movie Showing: The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Hit the road with this quirky family as they navigate the challenges of a robot uprising during their epic road trip. It's a journey of chaos, laughter, and the bond that holds them together. Popcorn will be provided. Bring a comfy blanket or pillow if floor seating is preferred. Movie is Rated PG and is...
Open Crafternoon
Open Crafternoon
Stop by Children's Services Creativity Park to make your own unique work of art with our craft and art supplies.
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 kidsโ imaginations lead the way. LEGOs and challenges are provided. For Grades Kโ4.
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...
Turkey Trot 4-Mile Run
Turkey Trot 4-Mile Run
Start your Thanksgiving at the Turkey Trot 4-Mile Run. You don't have to be the first to cross the finish line to win. The top two runners with the most accurate finish time predictions will receive a Thanksgiving treat. Prizes will also be awarded for the Best Costume. In the spirit of giving, we invite...
Turkey Trot and Sammy Scurry
Turkey Trot and Sammy Scurry
Celebrate Thanksgiving by running in the 44th annual Palatine Park District Turkey Trot! Runners may choose either a 2-mile, 5 mile distance or for the little ones, the Sammy Scurry. Take photos, enjoy free snacks and beverages and visit our sponsors. Register today! This year, weโve joined forces with The Harbour, an organization dedicated to...
Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
REGISTER IN ADVANCE, OR THE MORNING OF THE RACE. Little did we know that on November 22nd, 1984, our Thanksgiving holiday would change forever. Our one and done little 5k, with 74 runners, raised $520 for the WGN Good Neighbor Food Drive. Suggestions were made to do it again and we did. Year #2, 232...
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Illinois Resident Donation Day
We are pleased to offer weekly Donation Daysโevery Thursday the museum is openโfor 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...
Boredom Busters
Boredom Busters
Enjoy dinosaur puzzles, games, and coloring pages on the activity tables in the Youth Area. Grades 1 and up. Drop in.
Domino Free Build
Domino Free Build
Challenge yourself to learn new building techniques and test our domino accessories. Stop by anytime during the program to build. Our room will be open to builders to explore our domino collection. We will have space to build on tables and the floor. Instructions for building techniques and accessories will be provided.
Book Bingo
Book Bingo
Bring the whole family for Bingo at the Library. We'll have Bingo prizes available for children and adults. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
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.
Friday Family Features
Friday Family Features
School's out, the relatives have left, the dishes are (mostly) done, now what? Family movie time at the Library, of course! Inside Out 2. Drop in.
Ornaments for the Wilder Park Tree
Ornaments for the Wilder Park Tree
For Families. Make two ornaments, one to add to the Library's holiday tree in Wilder Park, and one to take home! Drop in. No registration required.
Friends Used Book Sale
Friends Used Book Sale
Purchase quality, gently-used books at discount prices from the Friends of the Library (FoL).
Holiday Walk at the Library
Holiday Walk at the Library
Before you head to downtown Glen Ellyn for holiday festivities, come to the library! Enjoy activities for the whole family with music from Music Institute of Chicago Virtuoso Strings, Bellas Artes School of Music, and harpist Dawn Bishop. For adults and kids of all ages.
Drop-in Cardmaking
Puzzle Party
Puzzle Party
Jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts: bring your friends or make new ones as you put together one of our puzzles in this casual social event. Register.
Storytime with the Gingerbread Librarians
Storytime with the Gingerbread Librarians
Run, run, as fast as you can, to hear some stories about the Gingerbread Man! Doors open for storytime at 3:15 p.m. Immediately following storytime, head to the Tree Lighting Ceremony. This storytime is in conjunction with the Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporationโs Gingerbread Festival. Space will be limited.
Holiday Tree Lighting
Holiday Tree Lighting
STORYTIME WITH THE BOARD (NEW) 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Village Hall Room E Join us for Storytime with the Board, a festive event where members of our board will bring holiday magic to life through beloved stories. Gather around as they read classic holiday favorites, sharing tales...
Holiday Tree Lighting
Holiday Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with the Arlington Heights Park District and the Village of Arlington Heights Special Events Commission at our annual tree lighting ceremony! Enjoy holiday-inspired music and dance performances, buy a hot cocoa or tasty treat, and join the countdown at North School Park as we flip the switch on over 80,000...
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join friends, family and neighbors at the Main Street Train Station to kick-off the holiday season. Santa will be part of the festivities, along with music from the District 99 marching band and the Downers Grove Choral Society. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Holiday Walks and Tree...
Wheaton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Wheaton Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
The tradition continues; join us for the annual Wheaton Christmas Parade for a magical evening of lights, music, and community Downtown Wheaton. The parade will travel from Wheaton Avenue at Wesley Street south to Front Street, turning east (left) on Front Street, and finishing at Cross Street. Immediately following the parade, head over to the...
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Visit with Santa, caroling, entertainment, and refreshments. Free Admission. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa and Holiday Walks and Tree Lighting Ceremonies.
Holiday Parade of Lights
Holiday Parade of Lights
The Rotary Club of Naperville is hosting the 2024 Parade of Lights in partnership with the Downtown Naperville Alliance. The parade will travel through the heart of downtown Naperville on Friday, November 29th under the beautiful twinkling lights. Distinctly focused on delighting children of all ages, parade goers will enjoy an evening of brightly lit...
Wheaton French Market
Wheaton French Market
Fresh flowers, artisan foods, music. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Farmerโs Markets.
Breakfast With Santa
Breakfast With Santa
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Santa is making a last minute stop by The Lodge at KLM Park to check who has been naughty or nice! Join us for an intimate breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event will include pictures with Santa and an expanded continental breakfast. All participants, including adults and children, must register....
Santas Craft Corner
Santas Craft Corner
Visit Santa at the zoo! While you are there, make a craft or two and tour the zoo before you go. Admission includes crafts, refreshments and, of course, a visit with the man in red himself. Be sure to bring your camera to capture those holiday memories. Santaโs Craft Corner is held in the Kiebler...
Nature Center Open House
Nature Center Open House
Would you like to learn more about the programs and events at the Nature Center? Do you want to visit some cool critters? Come to our open houses every month as we offer fun nature-themed activities. No registration required and all ages are welcome.
Budding Botanists
Budding Botanists
Watch out as you explore the Conservatory โ 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...
Complimentary Visits with Santa
Complimentary Visits with Santa
Visit Santa in his gingerbread house at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Places to See Santa.
Family Movie – Moana
Family Movie – Moana
Join us for the first Moana movie. Bring a blanket and pillow to enjoy a movie on our giant screen! Closed Captioning is provided
Santa’s House
Santa’s House
Don't miss your chance to take your picture with the one and only Santa Claus and give him your list! Visitors can meet the North Pole's most famous resident for FREE at Santa's House. Santa's House will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm - 4pm from November 30th - December 22nd. Visitors can...
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 Countyโs railroads and landmarks in a landscape that blends fact and fantasy.
Festival of Lights Opening Night and Kris Kringle Market
Festival of Lights Opening Night and Kris Kringle Market
Beginning on Saturday, November 30, the Festival of Lights returns for the 12th straight year! New and exciting actvities each year make this a popular holiday tradition. Pedestrians and motorist alike are treated to a sparkling display of holiday lights, entertainment, activities for all and visits with Santa Claus. The festivities continue with special programming...
Feature Films – Elf
Feature Films – Elf
Join us for a Saturday matinee. Bring your own snacks! All Ages Welcome. Doors open at 1:45pm (Closed Captioning)
LEGO Building Challenge: Float a Boat
LEGO Building Challenge: Float a Boat
Build along with other kids and try to complete this month's challenge: build a boat using Legos that floats.
Christmas in the Commons
Christmas in the Commons
The Village of New Lenox is continuing its Christmas in the Commons tradition with another year of lights and holiday festivities in the Village Commons. Christmas in the Commons will be taking place on the dates listed below, so be sure to mark your calendars! Events are free with no admission ticket required. Saturday, November...
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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.