Thanksgiving week is upon on us! 2020 wasn’t exactly our favorite year, but as we come into the season of gratitude and giving, we are choosing to focus on the good. Nicole rounded up some great ideas for at home Thanksgiving fun. Local organizations are spending this weekend, and upcoming week, finding ways to create holiday fun for families.
Friday night, when the weather is cooperating, check out the Turkey Trail in Hinsdale. Burr Ridge is hosting their Run the Ridge – Turkey Trot! on Saturday morning, or soak up the final fall colors of the season at Morton Arboretum during the Woodland Family Hike. The Westmont Lions will be hosting their Holly Days Drive-Thru Breakfast on Sunday morning. Wrap up a great weekend by watching the Mag Mile’s Lights Festival virtually. Their usual holiday parade will not be running, but an hour of exciting appearances will surely get you in the holiday spirit. Don’t forget your hot cocoa!
Please note that many organizations are still evaluating their programs in light of the new limits on gatherings that go into effect on November 20. Check to be sure the event is still happening before you go.
Most events nowadays require registration to cap numbers, which we appreciate, but it also means we all have to plan ahead more. So not only will we be giving you the weekend events each week, but the events for the entire week and also a section called “looking ahead” so you can get a heads up on events happening in the following week since advance registration is often required.
By clicking the link, you’ll be taken directly to the host’s website. Weather causes cancelations, registration fills up, and details evolve, so now you can get the most current and updated event information straight from the source through our curated list of family-friendly events in the western suburbs.
If you have feedback for us, please email Annie at annie@mykidlist.com. We strive to be the most helpful, comprehensive resource for families in the western suburbs!
Fun Things To Do With Kids This Weekend and Beyond
All of the event titles, dates, times, and towns are listed. If you would like more information, simply click on the the event title.
Friday
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 20, 2020 | times vary
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 20, 2020 | times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Nature Outings (Glen Ellyn)
November 20, 2020 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Registration closes the Friday before.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 20, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 20, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 20, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 20, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Winter Lights (Downtown Aurora)
November 20, 2020 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 21, 2020 | times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 21, 2020 | times vary
Run the Ridge – Turkey Trot! (Burr Ridge)
November 21, 2020 | 8:00am
Pre-registration is required.
PDOP Turkey Hunt (Oak Park)
November 21, 2020 | 9:00am – 3:00pm
Nature’s Ornaments (Creek Bend Nature Center, St. Charles)
November 21, 2020 | 9:30am – 11:00am
Pre-registration is required.
Woodland Family Hike (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 21, 2020 | 11:00am – 12:00pm or 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance.
An Almost Winter Day Festival (South Elgin)
November 21, 2020 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Must register in advance for this drive-through event.
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 21, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 21, 2020 | 4:30pm – 11:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 21, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 21, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 21, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Sunday
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 22, 2020 | times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 22, 2020 | times vary
Holly Days Drive-Thru Breakfast (Westmont)
November 22, 2020 | 8:00am – 12:00pm
Woodland Family Hike (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 22, 2020 | 11:00am – 12:00pm or 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Register in advance.
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 22, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 22, 2020 | 4:30pm – 11:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 22, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 22, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 22, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Lights Festival (Mag Mile, Chicago, Virtual)
November 22, 2020 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Next Week
Please check to be sure the event is still being offered before you go, as many organizations are still adapting to the new changes in COVID-19 restrictions.
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 23, 2020| times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 23, 2020 | times vary
Day Off Fun (Addison)
November 23, 2020 | 7:00am – 6:00pm
Register early.
School’s Out! (Bloomingdale)
November 23, 2020 | 8:30am – 12:00pm or 8:30am – 3:30pm
Register in advance.
School Day In: Mad Science (Oakbrook Terrace)
November 23, 2020 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
Register in advance.
American Red Cross Babysitters’ Certification (The Community House, Hinsdale)
November 23, 2020 | 9:00am – 4:30pm
Advance registration is required.
Turkey Camp (Warrenville)
November 23, 2020 | 9:00am – 3:00pm with before/after care options
Register in advance.
Nature Tot Workshop (Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace Co-Op)
November 23, 2020 | 9:30am – 10:30am
Register in advance.
Turkey Day Art and Play (Geneva)
November 23, 2020 | 10:40am – 12:10pm
Register in advance.
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 23, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 23, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 23, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 23, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 23, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Take It Tuesday! (Clarendon Hills Public Library)
November 24, 2020 | all day
Until supplies last.
Free Admission Day (Brookfield Zoo)
November 24, 2020 | all day
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
November 24, 2020 | all day
Advance tickets must be purchased.
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 24, 2020| times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 24, 2020 | times vary
Day Off Fun (Addison)
November 24, 2020 | 7:00am – 6:00pm
Register early.
School’s Out! (Bloomingdale)
November 24, 2020 | 8:30am – 12:00pm or 8:30am – 3:30pm
Register in advance.
Turkey Camp (Warrenville)
November 24, 2020 | 9:00am – 3:00pm with before/after care options
Register in advance.
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 24, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 24, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 24, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 24, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 24, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Middle School Mingle (Carol Stream)
November 24, 2020 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Must register in advance.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
November 25, 2020 | all day
Advance tickets must be purchased.
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 25, 2020| times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 25, 2020 | times vary
Day Off Fun (Addison)
November 25, 2020 | 7:00am – 6:00pm
Register early.
School’s Out! (Bloomingdale)
November 25, 2020 | 8:30am – 12:00pm or 8:30am – 3:30pm
Register in advance.
School Day In: Thanksgiving Fun (Oakbrook Terrace)
November 25, 2020 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
Register in advance.
NaturePlay Day (Downers Grove)
November 25, 2020 | 9:00am – 12:00pm or 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Register in advance.
Turkey Camp (Warrenville)
November 25, 2020 | 9:00am – 3:00pm with before/after care options
Register in advance.
Bookworms (Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton)
November 25, 2020 | 9:30am – 10:00am
Register in advance.
Scribble, Wiggle & Jiggle (Bloomingdale)
November 25, 2020 | 10:00am – 10:40am
Register in advance.
Friendsgiving Party (Bolingbrook)
November 25, 2020 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Register in advance.
Thanksgiving Basketball Shootout (Forest Park)
November 25, 2020 | 10:00am – 3:45pm
Register for session based on age group.
Open Nature Play Day (Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center, Chicago)
November 25, 2020 | 10:30am – 11:30am
Registration is required.
Chilled Palette Kids Days (Geneva)
November 25, 2020 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Register in advance.
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 25, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 25, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 25, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 25, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 25, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Virtual Magic and Mentalism Show with Master Mentalist Michael Gutenplan
November 25, 2020 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
ARC Laser Tag (Woodridge)
November 25, 2020 | 5:45pm – 9:15pm
Register for session based on participant’s age
Free Admission Day (Brookfield Zoo)
November 26, 2020 | all day
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
November 26, 2020 | all day
Advance tickets must be purchased.
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 26, 2020| times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 26, 2020 | times vary
Turkey Trot (Glen Ellyn)
November 26, 2020 | time TBD
Naper Lights (Downtown Naperville)
November 26, 2020 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 26, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 26, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 26, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Holiday Magic (Brookfield Zoo)
November 27, 2020 | all day
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
November 27, 2020 | all day
Advance tickets must be purchased.
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 27, 2020| times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 27, 2020 | times vary
Holiday Homecoming (St. Charles)
November 27, 2020 | times TBD
Festival of Lights (Cosley Zoo, Wheaton)
November 27, 2020 | times vary
Holiday in the Park Lights (Great America, Gurnee)
November 27, 2020 | times vary
Family Nature & Forest Therapy Walk (Glen Ellyn)
November 27, 2020 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Gizmos and Gadgets (Geneva)
November 27, 2020 | 10:40am – 12:10pm
Register in advance.
Happy Barksgiving One-Day Camp (Naperville Area Humane Society)
November 27, 2020 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Annual Turkey Trot Hike (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
November 27, 2020 | 1:00pm
Chilled Palette Kids Days (Geneva)
November 27, 2020 | 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Register in advance.
Naper Lights (Downtown Naperville)
November 27, 2020 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 27, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 27, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 27, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 27, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Lighting of the Lights (St. Charles, Virtual)
November 27, 2020 | 5:00pm
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 27, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Holiday Lights (Mooseheart)
November 27, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Festival of Lights (Phillips Park, Aurora)
November 27, 2020 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Small Business Saturday!
November 28, 2020 | all day
Holiday Magic (Brookfield Zoo)
November 28, 2020 | all day
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
November 28, 2020 | all day
Advance tickets must be purchased.
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 28, 2020| times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 28, 2020 | times vary
Holiday in the Park Lights (Great America, Gurnee)
November 28, 2020 | times vary
Festival of Lights (Cosley Zoo, Wheaton)
November 28, 2020 | times vary
Holiday Homecoming (St. Charles)
November 28, 2020 | times TBD
Rotary Club Ugly Sweater 5K (Westmont)
November 28, 2020 | 9:00am
Register in advance.
Ceramic Painting (Geneva)
November 28, 2020 | 11:00am – 12:15pm
Register in advance.
Open House (Lake View Nature Center, Oakbrook Terrace)
November 28, 2020 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Finding Christmas (Kidstreet Play Center, Lisle)
November 28, 2020 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Outdoor, walk-thru family event.
Magic Show (Bensenville)
November 28, 2020 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Register in advance.
Naper Lights (Downtown Naperville)
November 28, 2020 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 28, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 28, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 28, 2020 | 4:30pm – 11:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 28, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 28, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Holiday Lights (Mooseheart)
November 28, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Festival of Lights (Phillips Park, Aurora)
November 28, 2020 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Full Moon Campfire Hike (Downers Grove)
November 28, 2020 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Register in advance.
Holiday Magic (Brookfield Zoo)
November 29, 2020 | all day
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
November 29, 2020 | all day
Advance tickets must be purchased.
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 29, 2020| times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 29, 2020 | times vary
Festival of Lights (Cosley Zoo, Wheaton)
November 29, 2020 | times vary
Holiday in the Park Lights (Great America, Gurnee)
November 29, 2020 | times vary
Holiday Family Photos (Oak Park)
November 29, 2020 | 9:00am – 3:00pm
Register in advance for your 30-minute session.
Naper Lights (Downtown Naperville)
November 29, 2020 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 29, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 29, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 29, 2020 | 4:30pm – 11:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 29, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Celebration of Lights Festival (Batavia Riverwalk)
November 29, 2020 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 29, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Festival of Lights (Phillips Park, Aurora)
November 29, 2020 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Holiday Magic (Brookfield Zoo)
November 30, 2020 | all day
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
November 30, 2020 | all day
Advance tickets must be purchased.
Illumination: Tree Lights (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
November 30, 2020| times vary
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Santa’s Wonderland (Bass Pro Shop, Bolingbrook)
November 30, 2020 | times vary
Festival of Lights (Cosley Zoo, Wheaton)
November 30, 2020 | times vary
Holiday in the Park Lights (Great America, Gurnee)
November 30, 2020 | times vary
Museum Field Trip Mondays (Downers Grove)
November 30, 2020 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Register in advance.
Naper Lights (Downtown Naperville)
November 30, 2020 | 4:00pm – 9:00pm
ZooLights (Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago)
November 30, 2020 | 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Lightscape (Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe)
November 30, 2020 | 4:30pm – 10:00pm with extended hours select Fridays and Saturdays
Must buy tickets in advance.
Let It Shine Light Show (Northbrook Court)
November 30, 2020 | 4:30pm – 11:00pm
Tickets are sold per vehicle, and must be purchased in advance.
Nights of Lights (Wheaton)
November 30, 2020 | dusk – 10:00pm
Celebration of Lights Festival (Batavia Riverwalk)
November 30, 2020 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Holiday Lights Show (Promenade, Bolingbrook)
November 30, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Festival of Lights (Phillips Park, Aurora)
November 30, 2020 | 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Thrills and Chills of Winter Ice Cream (Geneva)
November 30, 2020 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Register in advance.
Gingerbread Class (Glen Ellyn)
November 30, 2020 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Register in advance.
Grinch Goo-Tastic Slime Lab (Geneva)
November 30, 2020 | 6:20pm – 7:20pm
Register in advance.
Tree Lighting Ceremony (Glendale Heights)
November 30, 2020 | 7:00pm
Looking Ahead…
Find even more family-friendly events in our full roundup of December 2020 events.
You might also be interested in…
Thanksgiving at Home Ideas, Scavenger Hunt, Books, and Traditions
Santa Sighting Alert! Local Spots to See Santa in 2020
Your One-Stop Spot to Find Local Kids Classes and Teams
Updated Guide to the Best Kids Birthday Party Places, Ideas, Entertainment, Decor
Preschool and Daycare Guide
Recommended Family Photographers
Your Local Guide to Kids Eat Free
We hope you found some family-friendly fun in our list of weekend events in the western 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 instead of just picking what our family likes or only including what sponsors want us to. 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!
Wanted to let you know Naperville Park District Table Tennis Tournament on January 18 has been cancelled.