Happy New Year! Our first 2026 “list of things to do with kids this weekend” has plenty of opportunities to kick off the new year with family-friendly fun. Whether you’re looking to try something new, celebrate favorite traditions, or simply enjoying time together, these experiences help set the tone for the year ahead.
Before diving into this weekend’s fun, don’t miss the many New Year’s Eve and Noon Year’s Eve celebrations happening around town—perfect ways to ring in 2026 in style. If you haven’t made your plans, now’s the time to look, as some many advance registration. With schools heading into the second week of winter break, we know our readers may be looking for even more ideas for fun family outings, as well as childcare options. Take a look at our Winter Break Guide for more inspiration to fill the days ahead.
This weekend planner is sponsored by Wonder Works Children’s Museum who is having a New Year’s Eve party for families!
Noon Year’s Eve at Wonder Works
Noon Year’s Eve at Wonder Works
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
On December 31, 2025, dress your festive best and join us for the last PLAY date of 2025. Come count down to 2026 at Wonder Works!
Our family friendly New Year’s celebration will include a balloon drop, full access to the museum, a new year’s art project, encounters with costumed characters, 2026 swag to take home and a fun photo booth to capture the special day as a family, all long before bed time!
To provide family flexibility with nap times + visiting family + holidays, we will count down to the new year and the balloon drop twice at 11 am and at 1 pm.
Tickets are $15 for members and $30 for non-members. Discounted $6 tickets are also available for anyone eligible for Museums for All. Everyone attending Noon Year’s Eve will need a ticket, both adults and children.
Things to Do with Kids This Weekend: Western Suburbs
Please check the details before you go to these events to ensure you know about registration requirements and additional info to maximize your family’s fun. While we do our best to keep the most up-to-date information in our calendar, last minute location or time changes do happen. Want to find “weekend events near me”? We have you covered!
Friday
Friday is full of fun! Register for one of two Gemini Gymnastics Academy’s Winter Break Workshops, head to Elmhurst Public Library for a Drop-in Craft, visit St. Charles Public Library’s Pocket Circus performs Planet Circus.
Winter Break Wonderland (DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville)
January 2, 2026 | 9:00am – 8:00pm
Included in general admission.
Take & Make: Mosaic Snowman (Berwyn Public Library, Berwyn)
January 2, 2026 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Nature Discovery Days (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
January 2, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
Sensory Gym (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
January 2, 2026 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Winter Bingo (La Grange Park Public Library, La Grange Park)
January 2, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Register in advance.
Winter Break Family Programming (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
January 2, 2026 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Included in general admission.
Read and Create (Hinsdale Public Library, Hinsdale)
January 2, 2026 | 11:00am – 11:45am
Winter Break Workshop (Gemini Gymnastics Academy, La Grange)
January 2, 2026 | 11:30am – 12:30pm
Register in advance.
DIY Board Game (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
January 2, 2026 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Drop-in Craft (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
January 2, 2026 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Homeschool Hangout (Wheaton Public Library, Wheaton)
January 2, 2026 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Interactive Movie: The Bad Guys (Aurora Public Library – West Branch, Aurora)
January 2, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:45pm
Family Winter Bingo (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
January 2, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Giant Battleship – Family Edition (Downers Grove Public Library, Downers Grove)
January 2, 2026 | 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Register in advance.
Pocket Circus performs Planet Circus (St. Charles Public Library, St. Charles)
January 2, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Winter Break Workshop (Gemini Gymnastics Academy, La Grange)
January 2, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance.
K-Pop Up Party (Oswego Public Library-Montgomery Branch, Montgomery)
January 2, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
First Friday: Fascinating Physics with Discovery Center Museum (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
January 2, 2026 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Saturday
Register for Isle a la Cache Museum’s annual Bonne Année: A New Year Celebration! or head to your local Home Depot Kids Workshop.
Home Depot Kids Workshop (check your local store)
January 3, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday Stay and Play (Geneva Public Library, Geneva)
January 3, 2026 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
Nature Discovery Days (Knoch Knolls Nature Center, Naperville)
January 3, 2026 | 9:00am – 2:30pm
Winter Break Wonderland (DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville)
January 3, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Included in general admission.
Nature Center Open House (Lake View Nature Center, Oakbrook Terrace)
January 3, 2026 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Play Doh Stations (Oswego Public Library-Montgomery Branch, Montgomery)
January 3, 2026 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
January 3, 2026 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Included in general admission.
Baby Play Date (Elmhurst Public Library, Elmhurst)
January 3, 2026 | 11:00am – 11:30am
Dual Language Storytime (95th Street Library, Naperville)
January 3, 2026 | 11:30am – 12:00pm
Bonne Année: A New Year Celebration! (Isle a la Cache Museum, Romeoville)
January 3, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Register in advance.
Sunday
Join the Celebración del Día de los Reyes Magos at Santori Library in Aurora or the Winter Break Wonderland excitement that’s included in admission at DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville.
Winter Break Wonderland (DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville)
January 4, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Included in general admission.
Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
January 4, 2026 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Included in general admission.
Celebración del Día de los Reyes Magos (Santori Library, Aurora)
January 4, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Sunday Crafternoons (Brookfield Public Library, Brookfield)
January 4, 2026 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
LEGO® Club (Helen Plum Library, Lombard)
January 4, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Make Break (check your local Michaels store)
January 4, 2026 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Things to Do with Kids This Weekend: Northwest Suburbs
We strive to answer the question “Where can I find weekend events near me?” Our team takes care to stock the calendar full of kid-friendly fun, but please keep in mind that last minute changes to events do happen. We recommend clicking through to the event details to double check if there has been a change in registration requirements and to get additional information before you go. Have fun!
Friday
Visit Garfield Park Conservatory for special Winter Break Family Programming or enjoy a Classic Family Movie: Mary Poppins in Arlington Heights.
Drop-in Art (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire)
January 2, 2026 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sensory Hour (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
January 2, 2026 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Winter Break Family Programming (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
January 2, 2026 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Included in general admission.
Cuentos en Español (Elmwood Park Public Library, Elmwood Park)
January 2, 2026 | 11:30am – 12:00pm
Registration required.
Coding Club (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights)
January 2, 2026 | 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Classic Family Movie: Mary Poppins (Camelot Park Community Center, Arlington Heights)
January 2, 2026 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Register in advance.
Saturday
Learn about Animals Around the World in Hoffman Estates, stop by the Palatine Public Library for a Hot Cocoa Bar, or join the fun at Vernon Area Public Library’s Interactive Movie: Sonic the Hedgehog (but don’t forget to register!).
Home Depot Workshop (check your local store)
January 3, 2026 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Animals Around the World (Hoffman Estates Branch – Schaumburg Township District Library, Hoffman Estates)
January 3, 2026 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Interactive Movie: Sonic the Hedgehog (Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire)
January 3, 2026 | 10:00am – 3:15pm
Register in advance.
Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
January 3, 2026 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Included in general admission.
Fascinating Physics (Mount Prospect Public Library, Mount Prospect)
January 3, 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Register in advance.
Puzzle Race (Poplar Creek Public Library, Streamwood)
January 3, 2026 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Registration is required.
Hot Cocoa Bar (Palatine Public Library, Palatine)
January 3, 2026 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 3, 2026 | 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Sunday
Register for a spot at Prospect Heights Public Library’s Winter Bingo or visit your local Michaels’ store for a Make Break.
Sensory-Friendly Hour (Park Ridge Public Library, Park Ridge)
January 4, 2026 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Budding Botanists (Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago)
January 4, 2026 | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Included in general admission.
One Book, One Community Kickoff (Schaumburg Township District Library, Schaumburg)
January 4, 2026 | 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Make Break (check your local Michaels store)
January 4, 2026 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Winter Bingo (Prospect Heights Public Library, Prospect Heights)
January 4, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Registration is required.
What’s On The Menu? (River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook)
January 4, 2026 | 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Looking for indoor fun?
Now that the snow has melted away, you may be heading indoors for fun. Here are a handful of our favorite lists:
- Indoor Play Places and Playgrounds Guide
- 30 Arcades and Entertainment Centers with Laser Tag, Go-Karts, and More
- 45 Nature Centers in Chicagoland
- 31 Alleys to Take Kids Bowling And Strike Out Boredom
- 24 of the Coolest Indoor and Outdoor Mini Golf Courses in Chicagoland
- 12 Play Cafe Destinations in Chicago’s Suburbs to Sip and Play
- Chicagoland Ice Skating Arenas
- Jump Places: Trampoline Parks and Inflatables
Want to look ahead to next week?
Check out all the family-friendly events happening in your neighborhood and beyond on our events calendar. You can filter the calendar by day by clicking the date on top, so if you are looking for things to do on a specific day, it’s easy to find!
You might also be interested in…
- Your Guide to Amazing Winter Activities for Kids in the West and Northwest Suburbs
- 2025-26 Guide to Kids Classes and Teams
- Where to Have the Best Kids Birthday Party + Entertainers, Rentals, Decor, Food and More
- Find the Right Preschool and Daycare for Your Family
- Your Local Guide to Kids Eat Free
We hope you found some family-friendly fun in our list of things to do with kids this weekend in the west and northwest suburbs of Chicago! This list is updated every week and sent out in the Kidlist emails. (Click here to sign up if you haven’t already.)
We love local businesses, libraries, park districts, villages, and organizations — they plan great events for all of us to enjoy. If you are hosting an event or know of an event that should be on our list, click here to submit it to the Kidlist calendar!
We strive to be the most comprehensive source for family fun, which is why you’ll always see so many weekend events listed. It would definitely be easier to just list the details for a few events and call them “the best weekend events for families”, but we recognize that everyone has different interests. Not to mention, sometimes I’m in the mood to go to a huge festival, and sometimes I’d rather go to a low-key storytime at the library. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. That’s why we work hard and spend a lot of time to find everything going on in our area so you don’t have to!
We hope you find it helpful and we are open to suggestions. The Kidlist Team always talks about how we can improve and evolve to meet your needs, so let us know!
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This is a wonderful site. Thank you.