We kept things budget-friendly in January with our 100+ Completely Free January Kids Events and Activities, so why not keep it going for another month? Now we’ve gathered over 200 events and activities for free family fun in February 2023, so there’s no worry about the price tag on your next family adventure. Free visits to Chicago’s most renowned museums, a trip to your local library for new books, or a snow-filled day on the sled hills will fill your February with family fun. Best of all, they’ll keep your wallet full, too!
Free February 2023 Fun in Chicagoland
February 1
- Spring Festival Lantern Riddles (Naperville Public Libraries)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Pizza Scavenger Hunt (Berwyn)
- Museum of Science and Industry Free Admission Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day (Oak Brook)
- Open Nature Play Day (Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago)
- DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days (Chicago)
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Days (Chicago)
- Storytime Around the World (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
February 2
- Spring Festival Lantern Riddles (Naperville Public Libraries)
- Museum of Science and Industry Free Admission Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- IKEA Storytime (Bolingbrook)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- WonderKids (Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville) (registration required)
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
- Groundhog Day Celebration (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest) (registration required)
February 3
- Spring Festival Lantern Riddles (Naperville Public Libraries)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Adventures in Homeschooling (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival
- Elmhurst Art Museum Free Day
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
- Roving Naturalists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
- Adventures in Homeschooling (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Family Craft Hour (Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien)
- HEART BINGO (Woodridge Public Library) (registration required)
- First Fridays (Downtown Aurora)
- DuPage Symphony Orchestra Mini Concert (95th Street Library, Naperville)
February 4
- Spring Festival Lantern Riddles (Naperville Public Libraries)
- Home Depot Workshop (Check your local store)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- Legotastic Saturday (Brookfield Public Library)
- Black History Month Activities for Kids and Families (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
- Ice-A-Palooza (Downtown Wheaton)
- Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival
- Winterfest (Bolingbrook)
- Greg the Groundhog and Friends (Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs) (registration required)
- LEGO Robotics Coding and Sumo Challenge (Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien)
- Victorian Valentines (DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton)
- Winter Fair (Lombard)
- Owls of Trailside (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest) (registration required)
- Ninja Warrior Training (Naperville Public Library)
February 5
- Spring Festival Lantern Riddles (Naperville Public Libraries)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival
- Cabin Fever Family Fun (Woodridge)
February 6
- Museum of Science and Industry Free Admission Day (Chicago)
- Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe) (registration required)
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
- Family Book Club (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Family Game Night (95th Street Public Library, Naperville)
February 7
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Preschool Parents Coffee and Conversation (Brookfield Village Hall)
- Museum of Science and Industry Free Admission Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free Day (Chicago)
- Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe) (registration required)
- Best Board Games for Family Night (Clarendon Hills Public Library)
February 8
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Museum of Science and Industry Free Admission Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day (Oak Brook)
- Open Nature Play Day (Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago)
- Wee Wonders (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
- Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe) (registration required)
- DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days (Chicago)
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Days (Chicago)
- Storytime Around the World (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
February 9
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Museum of Science and Industry Free Admission Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Storytime at the Museum (Bolingbrook)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe) (registration required)
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
- Book Magic: Valentine’s Day (Woodridge Public Library)
February 10
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
- Roving Naturalists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
February 11
- Lowe’s Kids Workshops (Check your local stores)
- Hooray for Hearts (Bensenville Public Library)
- School-Age Social Hour (Naperville Public Library)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- Tiny Toes Music (La Grange Public Library)
- Winter Wonderland Nature Play Days (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
- Family Card Crafting (Westmont Public Library)
- Family Day | Expressions (Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago)
- Origami Open House (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
- Victorian Valentines (DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton)
- Open Mic Night (Bartlett Nature Center)
February 12
February 13
February 14
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Swedish American Museum Free Days (Chicago)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free Day (Chicago)
- Nature in Love (Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs) (registration required)
February 15
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day (Oak Brook)
- Open Nature Play Day (Dan Ryan Woods, Chicago)
- DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days (Chicago)
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Days (Chicago)
- Storytime Around the World (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
February 16
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Museum of Science and Industry Free Admission Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- IKEA Storytime (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
February 17
- Party in the Park (Elmhurst)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Mini Movin’ and Groovin’ (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
- Roving Naturalists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
February 18
- Nature Discovery Days (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
- Brookfield Zoo Free Admission Day
- Family Storytime and Craft (La Grange Public Library)
- Black History Month Activities for Kids and Families (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
- Great Backyard Bird Count (Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, St. Charles)
- Open LEGO Building (Elmhurst Public Library)
February 19
February 20
- Nature Discovery Days (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
- Field Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Free Admission Day for Illinois Residents (Glencoe)
- Nature Center Open House (Lake View Nature Center, Oakbrook Terrace)
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
- Family Event: Presidents’ Day (Chicago History Museum)
- School’s Out Movie: Princess and the Frog (Elmhurst Public Library)
February 21
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Museum of Science and Industry Free Admission Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free Day (Chicago)
February 22
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art Museum Free Day (Oak Brook)
- Open Nature Play Day (Chicago)
- DuSable Museum of African American History Free Days (Chicago)
- Adler Planetarium Illinois Resident Free Days (Chicago)
- Will You Be My STEM Valentine (Brookfield Public Library) (registration required)
- Storytime Around the World (Fountaindale Public Library, Bolingbrook)
February 23
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Storytime at Wholey Granoly (Bolingbrook)
- Free Family Days (Chicago Children’s Museum)
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago
February 24
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Nature Storytime and Craft (Glen Ellyn Public Library)
- Free Day at The Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago)
- Roving Naturalists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
- Soul Singalong with Bill Brickey (Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien) (registration required)
- Stories by the Fire (Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville) (registration required)
February 25
- Art and Market Aurora
- Engineering Fest (Chicago Architecture Center)
- Winter Wonderland Nature Play Days (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
- Amazing Winter Residents (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest) (registration required)
- Nature Center Open House (Lake View Nature Center, Oakbrook Terrace)
- Family Event: Black History Month (Chicago)
February 26
- LEGO Gone Wild (Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook) (registration required)
- Season of the Salamanders Walk (Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Willow Springs) (registration required)
February 27
February 28
- Shedd Aquarium Illinois Resident Free Day (Chicago)
- Chicago History Museum Illinois Resident Free Day
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free Day (Chicago)
- Animal Olympics Trail (Miller Meadow, Forest Park)
Free February Holiday Fun
There’s a lot to celebrate in February! We have lists for Valentine’s Day Fun and ways to Celebrate Lunar New Year in the first week of February. Each list includes official events, as well as ideas for at-home fun.
Visiting Your Local Library is Always Free
Almost all library events are free! Story times are both in-person and virtual at this time, and many libraries are offering craft and activity kits to-go. Check out a new book, movie, or even board games! Our handy list of Libraries in the Western Suburbs gives you a look at some of our readers’ favorites.
Free February Fun in the Great Outdoors
Outdoor ice rinks are scattered all over the suburbs. Most outdoor ice rinks are free and offer no shortage of fun! (If you don’t own skates, rental fees may apply.) Check out our round-ups of Ice Rinks in the Western Suburbs for ideas.
February almost always sees a few good snow days. When that is the case, make sure you get out there and hit the Sledding Hills in the Western Suburbs.
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center offers free snowshoe rentals! Here’s our list of other great places for snowshoe rentals if you don’t mind spending a small fee for rentals.
Bring the great outdoors indoors! Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, Elmhurst’s Wilder Park Conservatory, and Oak Park Conservatory are all free.
Free February Fun at Nature Centers
Almost all of the nature centers are usually free, but February is a great time to visit in particular because you can enjoy nature without braving the elements.
- Bartlett Nature Center
- Red Oaks Nature Center (Batavia)
- Hidden Oaks Nature Center (Bolingbrook)
- Lyman Woods Nature Center (Downers Grove)
- Willowbrook Wildlife Center (Glen Ellyn) (as of January 21, 2023, the indoor visitors center remains closed to visitors, but the outdoor exhibits are available daily from 10:00am – 3:00pm)
- Springbrook Nature Center (Itasca)
- Pilcher Park Nature Center (Joliet)
- Knoch Knolls Nature Center (Naperville)
- Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center (Oak Brook)
- Lake View Nature Center (Oakbrook Terrace) (as of January 21, 2023, open for rentals and programming only)
- Lake Katherine Nature Center (Palos Heights)
- Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm (Schaumburg)
- Creek Bend Nature Center (St. Charles)
- Hickory Knolls Discovery Center (St. Charles)
- Little Red School House Nature Center (Willow Springs)
Free February Fun at Local Museums
Many local museums are offering free days in February, so check out our list of 2023 Museum Free Days for easy planning.
Free Visits to the Zoo
Brave the elements, warm up at indoor exhibits, and enjoy a day at our favorite zoos. Lincoln Park Zoo and Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora are always free. Brookfield Zoo has quite a few free days scheduled in February 2023. Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is free for children, Wheaton residents, and members; adults visitors will pay a small fee.
Other Free Things to Do in Our Area
Your time and attention are free, but they can be worth so much to others! Give back during this season of love by volunteering with your kids at one of these amazing local organizations.
Dine out at a local restaurant offering Kids Eat Free options. While these deals usually require an adult meal be purchased, you’ll certainly notice a smaller tab when you visit on Kids Eat Free nights.
Check out our indoor activities page for more ideas to help your family enjoy the winter months.
