Family Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire
Trailside Museum of Natural History 738 Thatcher Ave, River ForestWeek of Events
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.
Sensory-Friendly Hour
Sensory-Friendly Hour
We open an hour early on the first Sunday of the month for an adapted, accessible and sensory-friendly Library experience for all. The Children's Department environment will be adjusted and sensory supports and activities will be available. Drop in.
Skating in the Park
Skating in the Park
Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is thrilled to kick off the holiday season with the return of its Chicago Wolves Ice Rink Saturday, November 23. Admission to the Chicago Wolves Ice Rink is free. Guests are invited to bring their own skates or rent skates on-site for $8. The Chicago Wolves Ice Rink will...
Family Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire
Family Winter Scavenger Hunt and Campfire
Enjoy a winter afternoon on a self-guided hunt for signs of animals and plant life on your Scavenger Hunt List, followed by snacks and relaxing around a campfire. Family program.
Winter Walk
Winter Walk
Learn about wildlife in winter during a guided walk. The program begins at 1 pm if snow depth exceeds 4”. Registration required to reserve snowshoes.
¡Celebración del Día de los Reyes Magos!
¡Celebración del Día de los Reyes Magos!
¡Ven a celebrar el día de los Reyes Magos con nosotros! Para niños de todas las edades y sus cuidadores. Come and celebrate Three Kings Day with us! For children of all ages and their caregivers. ¡Celebremos el Día de los Reyes Magos con un pedazo de rosca de Reyes de diferentes panaderías de Aurora!...
LEGO® Club
LEGO® Club
Drop-in event recommended for children in grades K-8. Join other enthusiasts as you free build with the Library’s large collection of LEGO® bricks.
KEVA Building Challenges
KEVA Building Challenges
Test your building skills with wooden KEVA planks! Drop by any time and try out different challenges, or build your own creation.
Home Sweet Habitat
Home Sweet Habitat
Learn how amazing creatures survive in their unique environments, with some help from a few live animals! Best for ages 3-5 with an adult. Why do some birds have webbed feet? How can some animals live in the mountains? Learn about animals’ special features, their habitats, and their conservation. Please register each child and adult...
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.
Veterinarian For A Day
Veterinarian For A Day
Meet a real life veterinarian and listen to a fun story! Then engage in pretend play that you are a veterinarian.
Día de los Reyes Storytime and Craft
Día de los Reyes Storytime and Craft
Enjoy a special storytime and craft to celebrate Día de los Reyes! We will be reading a story, making a craft, and cutting a rosca. For ages 3+ with a caregiver. ** **Tickets are available at the Children's Services Desk 30 minutes before the start of this storytime. Enjoy a special storytime and craft to...
Stuffed Animal Beach Party
Stuffed Animal Beach Party
Dust off your sunglasses and summer gear and bring your favorite stuffed animal from home to enjoy music, snacks, crafts and play time. Ages 4 and up. Caregiver required. Drop in.
Winter Mammals Drop-In
Winter Mammals Drop-In
Join us to learn about the mammals of Cook County by examining our skins and skulls collection.
Up Close Animal Encounters
Up Close Animal Encounters
Get an up-close look at some special animals while learning about how they survive in their unique environments. Best for ages 6-11. Why do some birds have webbed feet? How can some animals live in the mountains? Learn about animals’ special features, their habitats, and their conservation. If your child is age 8 or younger,...
Cold Catapult Challenge
Cold Catapult Challenge
No snow shovel? S-NO-w problem! Engineer a way to gather up the most 'snow,' then build a catapult to see how far you can fling it! (Grades K–5)
Family Book Bingo
La Loteria/La Lotería
La Loteria/La Lotería
Aprenda a jugar la lotería, un juego azar tradicional que se juega a través de México parecido a BINGO con fotos. Para todas las edades. Regístrese a partir del 23/12. Learn to play La Loteria, a traditional game of chance played throughout Mexico that most resembles BINGO with pictures. All ages. Sign up begins 12/23.
Pajama Time
Pajama Time
Get ready for bed with a story and some relaxing activities. Feel free to wear your pajamas or bring a stuffy for this cozy family storytime. No registration required.
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.
Small Serendipity
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.
Sensory Playtime
Sensory Playtime
Recommended Ages 0-5 with Caregiver — Registration required. After getting rowdy at Rockin’ Tots, stick around for an open sensory playtime! We will have different tactile and sensory experiences for young kids to learn and engage with together.
The Gaming Hour: Switch Games Edition
The Gaming Hour: Switch Games Edition
Geared for K-5 Join us for an hour of gaming! No registration required.
Sensory Night
Sensory Night
Explore a variety of construction-themed stations! Children of all ages with autism, neurodivergence & physical disabilities are invited to celebrate the start of Sensory Storytime at this event!
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)
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. Dec 11: Hibernation Jan 8: Snowflakes Feb 12: Animal Tracks
I am a Scientist
I am a Scientist
Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as we explore, experiment, and make discoveries in the natural world. Ages 4-5 w/adult.
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.
Afternoon Movie Showing
Afternoon Movie Showing
Enjoy an afternoon movie with us. We'll release the title approximately two weeks before the showing.
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!
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...
Songs and Stories
Songs and Stories
Join us for a special musical series at the Library! Every month through April, we will feature musicians playing instruments and songs of their choosing. Following each performance, the musicians will introduce the stories behind the songs.
Polish Storytime: New Year Birthday Party!
Polish Storytime: New Year Birthday Party!
Join us to celebrate all 2025 birthdays! Children and parents can enjoy Polish stories, songs, games and crafts. Find your birthday on our big calendar! Dołącz do nas i świętuj wszystkie urodziny w roku 2025! Dzieci i rodzice mogą cieszyć się polskimi opowieściami, piosenkami, grami i robótkami ręcznymi. Znajdź swoje urodziny w naszym dużym kalendarzu!
Bilingual Storytime en Espanol: Salta para Cuentos
Bilingual Storytime en Espanol: Salta para Cuentos
Storytime in both Spanish and English including stories, music and activities. TR Un cuento muy especial en español e inglés que incluye historias, música y actividades. TR Join Miss Stephanie and Miss Lynna as we read a story or two in both Spanish and English. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, jazz hands, and wiggling bodies...
Wednesday Fun Night
Wednesday Fun Night
Come in your pajamas or your play clothes; just be sure to bring the whole family for this evening storytime that features a different activity each week. For kids up to 6 with caregiver. Siblings welcome.
Family Craft Night
Family Craft Night
Bring the whole family for craft night at the library! Each week we will feature up-cycled materials. Ages 4 + with a caregiver.
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)
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...
Tiny Tot Adventures
Tiny Tot Adventures
Join us for an adventure in nature through movement, stories and artmaking. Ages 2-5 w/adult.
Crafty Kids
Crafty Kids
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.
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
Story Time with NPL
Story Time with NPL
Join the Naperville Public Library (NPL) for one of their spectacular Story Times at DCM. These interactive Story Times often feature puppets, songs, movement, and more! First Thursday Each Month (*unless noted otherwise) Thursday, October 3 | 11:00 Thursday, November 7 | 11:00 Thursday, December 5 | 11:00 Thursday, January 9 | 11:00
La Hora de Cuentos
La Hora de Cuentos
¡Sumerja a sus hijos en un nuevo idioma o aumente la fluidez durante este divertido programa lleno de historias y rimas en español! Immerse your kids in a new language or increase fluency during this fun program full of stories and rhymes in Spanish!
Homeschool Hangout
Homeschool Hangout
Come hang out with other homeschool families. Activities for ages Pre-K through 8th grade. We welcome homeschool families to come explore what the library offers and hangout. We will have breakout boxes, board games, big blue blocks, while we provide opportunities for caregivers to network with other homeschool families and our outreach librarian. Drop-in
Adventurers Unite
Adventurers Unite
Travel through the multiverse of Dungeons & Dragons on an amazing journey to stop a famous D&D villain. Participants can choose a pre-made character at their first session or contribute their own character to join the fun.
Story Trail: “Animals in Winter”
Story Trail: “Animals in Winter”
Read a children’s story along a short trail. Afterwards, get an activity bag to start your own adventure with crafts and activities. Drop in.
Cocoa or Joe Hike
Cocoa or Joe Hike
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Winter in the forest is cold and quiet and may seem desolate, but there is still plenty of life if you know what to look for. Bundle up, grab your favorite mug and join a naturalist for a guided hike around Messenger Woods. Together, we will embrace the silent landscape while searching...
Homeschool Hub
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.
Homeschool Hangout
Homeschool Hangout
Get to know some other homeschool families in the area while playing games, trying out hands-on activities, and more!
Homeschool Game Club
Friday Fun
Friday Fun
Put your building skills to the test with the library’s Big Blue Blocks! These oversized foam blocks offer endless possibilities for creative play. Perfect for solo or group activities, the Big Blue Blocks are designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and endless fun!
Family Fort Night
Family Fort Night
Bring your own blankets or sheets, pillows, and a flashlight to build your fort. Enjoy a story together around the “campfire” and then crawl into your fort to read with your family. This is a special after-hours program. Please arrive before the Library closes at 5 pm to ensure entrance to the program. In partnership...
Family Craft Fridays
Family Craft Fridays
Create unique seasonal and theme-based projects. Materials provided. While supplies last.
Chinese Storytime
Chinese Storytime
A special Family Storytime presented in Mandarin with stories, songs, and activities for all ages.
Winter Fire Building Workshop
Winter Fire Building Workshop
Learn fire building skills indoors and try out your new talent outdoors. Ages 10 & up. Ages 10-17 w/ adult.
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.
Prehistoric Play Day
Prehistoric Play Day
Learn about the amazing world of Ice Age Illinois through a series of family-oriented games and activities. Ages 5 & up.
Cocoa and Crafts
Cocoa and Crafts
Let your children's imaginations soar with a variety of crafts designed for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy delicious hot cocoa while creating together. Bring your little ones for a morning filled with crafting fun and joyful moments. Sign up is required to join the festivities! We can’t wait to see the amazing creations your...
Preschool Resource Fair
Preschool Resource Fair
For parents. Drop in to speak with representatives from area daycares, preschools, and community and extra-curricular organizations. Continue checking in for most updated list of participating organizations. Attending in person: Darien Public Schools District 61- Mark Delay Hummingbird Children's Academy Kiddie Academy (Darien) Kingswood Academy Flyers Only: Cass School District 63- Concord Center Cass School...
Toy Swap
Toy Swap
Our kids grow up and grow out of toys that they used to play with. If you have toys that your children are no longer using, consider swapping them for something new-to-you! Bring in your gently used toys to the Youth Services Desk and receive a ticket for each toy you donate. Bring your tickets...
Crafting a la Cache: Handheld Habitats
Crafting a la Cache: Handheld Habitats
Celebrate National Hobby Month by crafting a handheld habitat in an Altoids tin! An interpretive naturalist will join in to discuss different animal habitats, natural environments and tin-spirations for your project. All materials will be provided, but if you have small leftovers from previous craft projects of your own, this is a great opportunity to...
Celebration of Lunar New Year
Celebration of Lunar New Year
Activities to educate and celebrate the impact of Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Ways for Families to Celebrate the Chinese New Year
WinterFest
WinterFest
Celebrate Winterfest, there will be snowshoes available to use on our trails, a winter scavenger hunt, crafts, hot cocoa, and s’mores around our firepit to enjoy. Free Spirit Siberian Rescue will demonstrate “mushing” with their dog sled team. JG’s Reptile Road Show will have a booth filled with awesome reptiles! Wings & Talons will be...
Family Day: Press Play
Family Day: Press Play
Perform, watch, and be the director of your own story. Spot videos and films throughout the museum.
Chinese Storytime
Chinese Storytime
A special Family Storytime presented in Mandarin with stories, songs, and activities for all ages.
Winter Bash
Winter Bash
Don’t let cabin fever give your family the winter blues- enjoy some cheer with our Winter Bash to ring in the New Year! From games, activities, snacks and entertainment, this indoor event is sure to be a fun event for all ages! Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit.
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.
Pokemon Fun
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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.