Events Calendar

Visit The Morton Arboretum from Saturday to see Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Large-scale model railroading uses trains that are significantly larger than standard model railroading. Also called “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads offer a captivating landscape for viewers of all ages to enjoy. Children will be immersed...

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.

'Loose Parts' is using random items for open ended play. Come play with us and learn more about some screen free fun! Join the fun and then explore the book Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children. "Loose parts capture children's curiosity, give free reign to their imagination, and encourage creativity. This form of play...

Calling all families with kids up to 9 years old -- this is the perfect opportunity to dive into a world of amazing, empowering, and educational tunes about incredible Black women! Join me for a lively, interactive experience where we’ll sing, dance, and do activities together. Say goodbye to Yankee Doodle and hello to Bessie...

Discover how sap becomes syrup as you try tapping with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, and watch sap thicken over the fire. Suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. All ages. Free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-876-5900.

Spend your Sunday afternoon crafting with like-minded friends. Bring your own project or do one of ours! Drop-ins welcome.

Come learn about Mae Jemison, the first Black woman admitted into the space program and then make your very own rocket to the moon. Please only register children. Parents are welcome to stay, but all children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult.

The next stop on the Great Elgin Pipe Organ Tour will be at St. Mary Catholic Church on Sunday, February 23rd, at 4:00 p.m. The instrument being featured was built in 1926 by George Kilgen & Son, of St. Louis, MO, and then rebuilt in 1987 by Berghaus Pipe Organ Builders of Bellwood, IL. The...

Visit The Morton Arboretum from Saturday to see Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Large-scale model railroading uses trains that are significantly larger than standard model railroading. Also called “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads offer a captivating landscape for viewers of all ages to enjoy. Children will be immersed...

Visit the Library for a playdate each month! Children and their grownups can stop by for some unstructured playtime, read books, socialize, and make new friends. Toys and refreshments will be provided.

We're so excited to introduce a new addition to our 11am special programming time: Social Emotional Storytime with Miss Tracy from Once Upon Some Messy Fun! Miss Tracy will be coming to the museum to read some fun stories all about big feelings!

We’re excited to start 2025 with Free Winter Weekdays, January 6–March 14, 2025, offering Illinois residents free admission every Monday, Thursday, and Friday—all day long. Beginning March 5, 2025, we will also be open on Wednesdays, which means that Wednesdays, March 5, and March 12, will also be part of our 2025 Free Winter Weekdays....

Investigate sound through a storytime, music, science and a craft. Ages 4-6 Sign up begins 2/10.

Join Ms. Joan for fun themed Bingo games and prizes.

Drop-in event for families with children of all ages. Join in the rhythm and the fun as we explore instruments and musical styles.

Visit The Morton Arboretum from Saturday to see Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Large-scale model railroading uses trains that are significantly larger than standard model railroading. Also called “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads offer a captivating landscape for viewers of all ages to enjoy. Children will be immersed...

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.

Illinois residents receive free admission on Tuesdays.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Explore the Preserves via snowshoe! If conditions are not favorable for snowshoeing (4” or more of packed snow), hikes and other activities will be offered. 

Join us for a bilingual English/Spanish story time, music, crafts, and play-based learning. For ages 2-5 with an adult.

Nutella Continues Commitment Firefighters for a Second Year with “Stacks for Giving Back” Program Nutella lovers can nominate their local fire department and stop by Nutella Cafe Chicago to spread their love for first responders and pancakes WHAT: Nutella is back for its second year to reinforce support for the nation’s firefighters through the Stack...

Drop in and take home cool crafts.

Join us for trivia, crafts or games about some of our favorite fandoms. This month we celebrate the Marvel Universe.

Enjoy a free evening full of family-friendly entertainment and activities such as face painting, arts and crafts, and more.

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+.

A special Family Storytime presented in Mandarin with stories, songs, and activities for all ages.

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....

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...

Visit The Morton Arboretum from Saturday to see Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Large-scale model railroading uses trains that are significantly larger than standard model railroading. Also called “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads offer a captivating landscape for viewers of all ages to enjoy. Children will be immersed...

Language Labs storytellers present songs, stories, and activities in both Ukrainian and English. Those who speak the language and those new to the language are welcome to attend.

Follow a self-guided story featuring a prominent African American figure.

Light up your imagination, learn about one of the most wondrous things in nature - the Northern Lights, and create one to take home! All supplies will be provided.

Join Ms. Elyse at Three Stories Bookstore & More for a storytime on the town!

Adults, teens, and children ages 5-11 with caregiver are invited to join for board games with your neighbors and Library staff. Bring a friend and have some fun! Registration preferred, but drop-ins are welcome!

Zapraszamy na opowieści, piosenki i rękodzieło w języku polskim i angielskim. Enjoy stories, songs, and a craft in Polish and English.

Looking to enrich your child’s development around peers? Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies’ Academy is here to help! Hummingbird’s Academy offers small class sizes for children aged 2-6 (2-9 in the summer) focused on social-emotional development. Our Academy classes are run by pediatric speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and counselors or social workers who design personalized plans...

Celebrate the Wings of Fire series with activities, snacks, and a chance to win a copy of Escaping Peril: a Graphic Novel. Grades 3-8. Sign up begins 2/12.

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....

Visit The Morton Arboretum from Saturday to see Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Large-scale model railroading uses trains that are significantly larger than standard model railroading. Also called “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads offer a captivating landscape for viewers of all ages to enjoy. Children will be immersed...

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.

Celebrate Black History Month by creating a vibrant, colorful piece of artwork using a variety of simple and fun techniques! Alma Woodsey Thomas desired to bring beauty and happiness into the world through her bright and colorful abstract art. She was the first African American woman to have her work added to the White House...

Join us for an inclusive drop-in playgroup for children ages 5 and younger who receive or are considering therapy services. Best for ages 5 and younger with their families. Children play while families meet and find support. Siblings are welcome to join. Facilitated by Anne Inwood, a social worker from Successful Families Together, and presented...

Join us for a collaborative storytime with Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Enjoy winter-themed stories and a stay-and-play activity. Children ages 5 and under with an adult.  

We’re excited to start 2025 with Free Winter Weekdays, January 6–March 14, 2025, offering Illinois residents free admission every Monday, Thursday, and Friday—all day long. Beginning March 5, 2025, we will also be open on Wednesdays, which means that Wednesdays, March 5, and March 12, will also be part of our 2025 Free Winter Weekdays....

Celebrate your half day! Why go home when you can head to the library and have fun with other people? Stop by to try out the big blue blocks and create giant buildings. Join us for some fun at the library. Big Blue Blocks will be out for you to drop in and build. What...

Grades 2–6. Drop in for after-school creative time to make crafts and projects with the assistance of Maker Studio staff. 

Work as a team to find the missing dinosaur eggs.

Celebrate Pokémon’s 29th anniversary at the library! Will include several activities for kids to enjoy.

Waddle over to the library for a penguin live stream! Watch their playful antics and enjoy penguin-themed crafts and activities!

Get excited about science and nature with a T-Rexplorers program! See dinosaur bones up close and get a glimpse of what it's like to go on a Paleontological dig with authentic dinosaur fossils from species like Triceratops and T-Rex. Our program will start at 10am but stop by at 9:45am to meet "Green Bean", the...

Visit The Morton Arboretum from Saturday to see Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Large-scale model railroading uses trains that are significantly larger than standard model railroading. Also called “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads offer a captivating landscape for viewers of all ages to enjoy. Children will be immersed...

Come celebrate Lunar New Year with us! Introduce your little one to a new language as we enjoy stories, songs, and a craft presented in Mandarin by The Language Labs.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Ways for Families to Celebrate the Chinese New Year

Join us for family movie time at the Library! Drop in.

We’re excited to start 2025 with Free Winter Weekdays, January 6–March 14, 2025, offering Illinois residents free admission every Monday, Thursday, and Friday—all day long. Beginning March 5, 2025, we will also be open on Wednesdays, which means that Wednesdays, March 5, and March 12, will also be part of our 2025 Free Winter Weekdays....

Join us each month to watch a newly released movie! February 28: Conclave March 28: Wicked

Enjoy an afternoon movie with us. We'll release the title approximately two weeks before the showing.

Bad at art? Then this program is for you. Use your wildest imagination to create art that is intentionally bad!

Experience a movie with dimmed lights and the volume turned down low. Kids can dance, wiggle and sing if they want. This is not a drop-off event. We will have a bin of fidgets available for use.

Discover the basics of slime-making and create, your own unique ooey-gooey masterpiece! Space is limited to the first 16 participants.

Kids will discover the comfort they can gain by moving their bodies, exploring their breath, and relaxing their minds. Presented by Amber Bloomquist of Kindness Kids Yoga. Sessions at 2:00pm and 3:00pm

Explore the work of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and be inspired to create your own original portrait and crown. Ages 6-11.

Come by the library and pick out a book from our collection to read with your friends, loved ones, or independently. All kids who complete 30 minutes of reading time will receive their own book to keep! Snacks and crafts will be available. No registration required. While supplies last. For children in 5th grade and...

Join the library for a set of themed stories while enjoying snacks!

Join us for music and movement activities perfect for active toddlers. No sitting still required! Ages 19 months and up. Siblings welcome. Caregiver required.

Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., whose intent on tormenting his dad. Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run. A craft will be available for kids at 5:30pm and the...

Welcome to Pop Night (Hanover Park's Version), where we’ll be living our best lives through music! Get ready to embrace the nostalgia of your favorite pop hits and celebrate the moments that make life sweet. Join us as we post empowering affirmations on the “...Baby One More Time” Locker. Feeling a little "deja vu"? Create...

All ages. Enjoy a family-friendly movie in the Poet Tree Corner on the second floor. January 3: How to Train Your Dragon, animated, 98 minutes, PG January 17: A Goofy Movie, animated, 81 minutes, G January 31: The Emperor’s New Groove, animated, 78 minutes, PG February 14: Elemental, animated, 109 minutes, PG February 28: Tangled,...

Hear music performed by musicians from the Performing Arts Department at York High School. Live in-person. Registration required.

The Lisle Children's Toy & Clothing Resale was first established in 1978 and has a long legacy of community members coming together to sell quality used goods -from one family to another- in an effort to enhance the lives of the students at Lisle Elementary School. We are grateful for everyone who shops, sells, and...

Come support Scouting America Troop 100 from 7 a.m. to noon on March 1 with all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice, plus amazing raffle prizes AND a bake sale! Tickets: $7 per person/$20 per family. Tickets available for purchase at the door, or contact: troop100naperville@googlegroups.com to purchase your tickets from a Scout and...

Visit The Morton Arboretum from Saturday to see Juniper Junction, a large-scale model train display at the Arboretum’s Firefly Pavilion. Large-scale model railroading uses trains that are significantly larger than standard model railroading. Also called “garden railroads,” large-scale model railroads offer a captivating landscape for viewers of all ages to enjoy. Children will be immersed...

Bring your family-building skills to Kid's Landing during our Saturday Stay and Play! Your family will enjoy an endless variety of play patterns like construction, pretend play, role-playing, and inventing your own games while exploring our Library. Most importantly, you will be deeply engaged and active and have hours of fun with your and other...

Home Depot kids workshops are back! Stop by your local shop on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00am - 12:00pm.  February 1 - Valentines Candy Box March 1 - Basketball Game April 5 - Globe Planter

Families are invited to join in the fun as the Bartlett Depot Museum hosts its First Saturday Free Children’s Craft. On March 1, kiddos are invited to celebrate the return of spring. They will paint a 3-D wooden butterfly. No registration is needed, but supplies are limited. The museum, 100 W. Railroad Avenue, will be...

Have a snack and make some fabulous art on a Saturday morning. Completed works of art will be posted in the Youth Services Department for everyone to admire, with artist permission of course!

Chicago Children’s Museum’s Play for All initiative creates a community where play and learning connect for visitors of all abilities. Play for All invites children and families with disabilities and Chicago Children’s Museum members to come and experience CCM’s inclusive, multisensory exhibits and programs. The first 250 children and families with disabilities who register will...

Drop in and explore real fossils up close, build awesome 3-D dinosaur puzzles, and even make your very own fossil imprint to take home! Play “Say BONES,” a fossil-themed twist on classic Bingo. Plus, meet Mary Anning— the first female fossilist—who will bring history to life with fascinating stories about her groundbreaking discoveries. It’s a...

For grades 1–6. Enjoy activities related to fingerprint analysis and learn from a Willowbrook police officer.

Have some fun and make some memories with your family in our Youth Makerspace! Free tickets will be available at the Youth Services desk beginning 30 minutes before the event and will be limited to the first 16 participants. Any person requesting a ticket must be present to recieve one. Due to high demand, no...

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...

Join nature educators to explore Play & Grow Garden, play and build with natural materials, and learn how to use tools safely! We will also be staying warm with our toasty bonfire, making s’mores, and drinking hot chocolate (vegan and gluten free options available upon request). Activities will include: Fort Building Fairy Furniture Whammy Doodles...

Join us at 1 pm on March 1, 2025 for our 29th Annual Forest Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade for a fun-filled day in downtown Forest Park at the best St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the western suburbs! 65+ entries include bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, local business entries, Medinah Shriner parade units, police &...

Discover how sap becomes syrup as you try tapping with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, and watch sap thicken over the fire. Suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. All ages. Free. No registration. Questions? Call 630-876-5900.

Join us for the free Global Connections International Carnivale celebration at Navy Pier! A global tradition, celebrated in many unique ways, will come to life in the Aon Grand Ballroom.

Get your green shirts ready! The City of Countryside proudly announces our annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade—Saturday, March 1st at 1p.m.    For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of St. Patrick’s Day Events.