Week of Events
Dog Admission Days
Dog Admission Days
Several times a year, The Morton Arboretum hosts Dog Admission Days and Tails on the Trails events. These are the only times that dogs not designated as service dogs are allowed on the grounds of the Arboretum. Service dogs are welcome at no cost daily, and should be identified when entering at the gatehouse. These...
Track and Scat Hike
Track and Scat Hike
REGISTER IN ADVANCE Winter offers a unique opportunity to explore the outdoors. As the ground hardens and snow falls, wildlife leave behind tracks and signs that tell a story. Join The Forge Naturalist for a family-friendly hike and learn to identify animals by the tracks and scat they leave behind. This two-mile hike will traverse...
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.
Family Sensory Hour
Family Sensory Hour
The Family Sensory Hour offers the opportunity for children with special needs to use the Kids' Library in a safe and welcoming environment before the Library opens. Live in-person. Registration required.
Winterfest
Winterfest
Join us for a fun-filled winter event at Horizon Park! Activities will include (weather permitting) Penguin egg-hunt Dog sled demo team Winter Arts & Crafts Giant Snow Globe photos And More!
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.
Tech Time
Tech Time
Drop-in event for families with children of all ages. We’ll have our favorite high and low-tech options available for families to explore.
Raise the Woof! It’s a Dogman Party
Raise the Woof! It’s a Dogman Party
Celebrate Dogman and his friends. He’s half dog, half police officer, all movie star! Celebrate Dogman and his friends at the Library, then watch the trailer for his first movie.
PajamaRama
PajamaRama
Wear your cool pajamas for a pajama party. We'll read a book, make a craft and snack on cookies and chocolate milk. Ages 6-11 with a caregiver.
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...
Animals in Winter
Animals in Winter
Free family activity with crafts, games, hands-on activities, books and more Designed for ages 4-10 but all ages welcome No registration required but at least one adult must attend with each family Available on Jan. 2- 4 & 18, 20: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm Saturday, 9 am...
MLK Day of Service
MLK Day of Service
Stop by the nature center to participate in a self-led litter pick-up. Garbage bags and disposable gloves available. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Kids.
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 2024–25 Illinois resident FREE days include: December 18; January 20–24, 28–31; February 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28 For information on more events like this, check out our...
Day of Service
Day of Service
The Day of Service honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the legacy of volunteer service. Come by to make a Card of Hope for a child in foster care. Children in foster care often feel forgotten on special occasions. Receiving a Card of Hope will bring them hope and joy. All materials will be...
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.
Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness!
Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness!
Drop in for fun, kid-friendly activities that help make the world a better place. Stop at one station or explore them all! Best for ages 11 and younger with their families. Station 1: Color because you care Send a smile! First, design a special card with markers, stickers, and decorations. Then, put the card into...
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Day
At this family-focused celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ongoing influence on the fight for civil rights in the US, enjoy hands-on engagements, musical performances, and opportunities to learn about how to become more civically engaged in your community. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of How to...
MLK Day of Service
MLK Day of Service
Celebrate MLK with a day of service. Join us for a litter clean-up, crafts and cocoa! For groups of 10 or more, email kelvin.boyd@cookcountyil.gov. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Kids.
Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Families, join us for a blend of art, magic, and comedy to inspire creativity through reading adventures.
Frosty Fest
Frosty Fest
Join us for Frosty Fest, an exciting indoor carnival on your day off from school! Bring the whole family out and let the kids try their luck at carnival games and play in the bounce house. Pizza and other carnival treats will be for sale. Dont miss out on this festive celebration. Mark your calendar...
Drop-in: MLK National Day of Service Project
Drop-in: MLK National Day of Service Project
For all ages. Join us as we complete a project for the National Day of Service. We are making fleece tie blankets for Camden's Comfort Project. Spend a few minutes or a few hours volunteering. Available while supplies last. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of How to Celebrate...
Family BINGO
Family BINGO
By popular demand, we're opening up BINGO for the whole family! Come for the chance to win small prizes. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by an adult caretaker. Register each child attending.
Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness!
Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness!
Drop in for fun, kid-friendly activities that help make the world a better place. Stop at one station or explore them all! Best for ages 11 and younger with their families. Station 1: Color because you care Send a smile! First, design a special card with markers, stickers, and decorations. Then, put the card into...
Winter Crafts
Family Volunteering: Make a Fleece Blanket
Family Volunteering: Make a Fleece Blanket
Celebrate the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr and this National Day of Service by creating fleece blankets which will be donated to various organizations in our community. For adults and kids of all ages. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr....
Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Dan Gogh’s Magic and Art Show
Artist-Magician Dan Gogh uses comedy, magic, and art to unlock the mystery of creativity. Dan will be your guide to wacky colors, magical drawings, and art tools that have a mind of their own. Reading is a huge component of this special show. Prepare to be amazed, inspired, and laugh all the way as you...
Afternoon Movie Showing: Our Friend Martin
Afternoon Movie Showing: Our Friend Martin
Learn about civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., through a blend of historical footage and animation. Bring a comfy blanket or pillow, if preferred, for floor seating. Movie is rated G and is 60 minutes long. Synopsis: What begins as a routine class project for a diverse group of sixth-graders turns into a magical,...
Battle of the Pizzas
Battle of the Pizzas
Have you ever wondered what the best pizza in Franklin Park was? Wonder no longer! We’ll be taste testing every pizza in Franklin Park to see which one is the BEST. Must be in grades 3-8
MLK Day of Service
MLK Day of Service
To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the library will be hosting a Day of Service dedicated to supporting our community! Come by our drop-in stations to make items for local organizations. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of How to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Kids.
Change Makers’ Club
Change Makers’ Club
Do you want to make the world a better place? We’ll read a book about someone who made a positive impact on their community, then explore the topic through discussion, and a game or a craft.
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...
Clay-O-Rama
Family Bingo Nights
Pokémon Club
Pokémon Club
Join fellow trainers to play, chat, and share your love for all things Pokémon! Bring along your favorite Pokémon art, cards, or collectibles for show-and-tell session. Whether you're battling, trading, or discussing your favorite Pokémon, this is the perfect place to connect with fellow fans and enhance your Pokémon journey! Ages 6 and older, caregiver...
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.
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 2024–25 Illinois resident FREE days include: December 18; January 20–24, 28–31; February 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28 For information on more events like this, check out our...
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.
Small Serendipity
Homeschool Huddle
Homeschool Huddle
December 13: Celebrate the holidays with a craft, snacks, music, and festive activities for the whole family. January 21: Fiber artist Natasha Lehrer Lewis will guide us through the wool felting process with a cute little fox to take home! Registration required. Grade levels 1-5.
Fandom Fun – Taylor Swift
Fandom Fun – Taylor Swift
Join us for trivia, crafts or games about some of our favorite fandoms. This month we celebrate Taylor Swift.
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)
Bingo
Bingo
Adults, teens, and children ages 5-9 with a caregiver are invited to join us for Bingo. Bring a friend and have some fun. Registration preferred, but drop-ins are welcome.
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 2024–25 Illinois resident FREE days include: December 18; January 20–24, 28–31; February 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28 For information on more events like this, check out our...
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, 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...
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!
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 Wholey Granoly
Storytime at Wholey Granoly
Join us for a free, engaging storytime experience for your little ones. Each child will receive a special treat when our stories are complete. Registration opens two weeks before the event date.
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 2024–25 Illinois resident FREE days include: December 18; January 20–24, 28–31; February 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28 For information on more events like this, check out our...
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.
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.
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...
Cuentos en Español
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!
Whodunnit
Fandom Crafts: Minecraft
Fandom Crafts: Minecraft
Make some Minecraft themed crafts to take home. No registration required. This is a drop-in event. Feel free to stop by between 4pm and 5:30pm to participate.
LEGO® Building Challenge
LEGO® Building Challenge
Build along with other kids and try to complete this month's challenge: create a winter village.
Lunar New Year Story and Craft
Lunar New Year Story and Craft
Learn about this important celebration through the book "Lunar New Year" by Mary Man-Kong before creating your own dragon craft! Ages 3+ with a caregiver. ** **Tickets can be picked up at the children's desk 30 minutes before the start of the program. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup...
Chess Club: Instruction and Open Play
Chess Club: Instruction and Open Play
Let's play chess! Join instructors from Elite Chess to learn more about the game and then have a chance to play with some other students. No registration required. The library will have some chess sets available. Feel free to bring your own to play with.
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.
Community Partner Playdate
Community Partner Playdate
Join us for a playdate at the Wheaton Public Library. While children and families socialize, we'll have DuPage County community partners present to share resources including developmental screening, early childhood programming, and more! In partnership with the Wheaton/Warrenville Early Childhood Collaborative and World Relief. No registration required.
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 2024–25 Illinois resident FREE days include: December 18; January 20–24, 28–31; February 4–7, 11–14, 17, 18–21, 25–28 For information on more events like this, check out our...
Lunar New Year Dragon
Lunar New Year Dragon
Celebrate the Lunar New Year by making your very own dragon craft. For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Ways for Families to Celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Bilingual Storytime
Bilingual Storytime
Enjoy books and songs in English and another language! Twenty name tags (children only). For kids of all ages and their grownups. January 17: Spanish January 24: Korean
Family Movie
Family Movie
Bring a blanket and pillow to enjoy a movie on our big screen! Closed Captioning is provided. January 3: Inside Out
Mini Mad Scientists – Bubbles
Mini Mad Scientists – Bubbles
Explore the simple science behind a topic. This month we explore bubbles. Dress for messy! The same class is offered twice each month. Register for only one. Children must attend with an adult caregiver. Group limit: 12 pairs.
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.
Zoo Baby Playtime
Zoo Baby Playtime
Learn all about the new babies at the Brookfield Zoo in this animal-themed playtime! (Ages 3–5 with an adult)
LEGO Club
LEGO Club
Make LEGO robots, create stories, and build amazing creations. Drop in. Program Room.
Community Cares
Community Cares
Give the new year a great start and join us for Community Cares at DuPage Children’s Museum. We’re teaming up with local organizations to give children and their families opportunities to give back to their community in a fun, interactive way. Collecting Donations for Loaves & Fishes: DCM will be accepting unopened non-perishables and toiletries....
Preschool and Enrichment Fair
Preschool and Enrichment Fair
We're back. Join us at the Library to learn about some of the wonderful daycare, preschool and enrichment facilities in the area, all in one place! Representatives from dozens of schools and organizations will be available to answer your questions. Drop in anytime 10:00am - noon!
Sensory Storytime and Play
Sensory Storytime and Play
This storytime program provides a modified environment and is intended for families with disabilities, on the autism spectrum, and/or sensory processing disorders. If your family does NOT require a modified sensory environment, please see the events calendar to register for an unmodified storytime.
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.
Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness!
Kids Care Fun Fair: Spread Kindness!
Drop in for fun, kid-friendly activities that help make the world a better place. Stop at one station or explore them all! Best for ages 11 and younger with their families. Station 1: Color because you care Send a smile! First, design a special card with markers, stickers, and decorations. Then, put the card into...
All About Fire
All About Fire
Learn safe practices for fire building and containment, make fire-inspired art, build your own fire, and roast a marshmallow. All ages. Drop-in. Hosted at Thatcher Woods Pavillion.
Family Concert: Jigglejam
Family Concert: Jigglejam
Get ready to wiggle, jiggle and giggle as you sing and dance along with Jodi! her engaging style and catchy tunes spark imagination and promote self esteem while silliness abounds. Drop in. Meeting Room.
Science Heroes: Adventures of the Lost Treasure
Science Heroes: Adventures of the Lost Treasure
Science experiments bring the this story to life! Join Science Heroes on a treasure-hunting adventure deep within the jungle! Along the way, the audience helps the performer conduct exciting science experiments that bring this story to life! Tickets are required for this program and will be available for pickup beginning Mon., Jan 13.
Puzzle-Palooza
Puzzle-Palooza
Puzzles are fun for the whole family! Drop in to the Kids' Library and try out some puzzles from the Library's collection that are perfect for kids and families. No registration required.
Chinese Storytime
Chinese Storytime
A special Family Storytime presented in Mandarin with stories, songs, and activities for all ages.
Craft Supply Swap
Craft Supply Swap
Join us for a craft supply swap at the library! Donate items January 11-19 and receive a 1 p.m. early entry ticket to the event! Doors open to the public from 2-4 p.m. How it works: New or gently used craft supplies donations will be accepted starting Saturday, January 11 through Sunday, January 19 at...
Snowflake Science with Peck Park Farm
Snowflake Science with Peck Park Farm
Join us for a visit from the naturalists at Peck Park Farm as they teach us all about the science behind snowflakes! We will take a closer look at the many shapes and patterns snowflakes can take and investigate how they form.
South Asian Perspective Workshop
South Asian Perspective Workshop
Join us for a fun and creative activity inspired by the art of Grishma Shah, a painter who shares her story through her paintings. Grishma’s art explores how we see beauty, disability, and different identities. In this program, we’ll think about how our bodies change, what beauty means to us, and talk about how we...
Fantastic Face Painting
Fantastic Face Painting
Have you tried your hand at painting? Is regular canvas just too boring? Then it's time to join Carla Cardona-Tapia from Three Stories Bookstore & More for an exciting face painting class.
Bone Appétit
Bone Appétit
Join us during feeding time to learn about Trailside’s outdoor animal ambassadors. Available in both English and Spanish.
We do our best to provide comprehensive, accurate and useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from press releases, websites, signs around town and word of mouth. However, details change and people make mistakes, so please confirm the details before you go. Kidlist is not responsible for any problems that occur while participating in activities listed on this site.
Submit an Event
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.