Exciting news for all of the animal lovers out there! Both Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo will be reopening next week. We’ve desperately missed our visits to the giraffes and zebras. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information about visiting the lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). Not ready for in-person visits yet? San Diego Zoo has live cameras on many of their exhibits. See what the animals there are up to today.
Fun Things To Do With Kids This Weekend and Beyond
Many events now require registration to cap numbers. Click the event name to be taken directly to the host’s website. Weather causes cancelations, registration fills up, and details evolve, so get the most current and updated event information straight from the source through our curated list of family-friendly events in the western suburbs.
Friday
Friday is a day off for many school districts in the western suburbs, and we have plenty of options for day camp programming below. The DuPage Area STEM Expo is virtual this year, and is offering a wide range of programming on Friday for families. If you’d prefer to be outside, here’s our list of exciting new playgrounds to check out.
DuPage Area STEM Expo (Virtual)
February 26, 2021 | times vary
Pickup Programs for Preschoolers (Downers Grove Public Library)
February 26, 2021 | all day
Free Admission Day (Shedd Aquarium, Chicago) – sold out
February 26, 2021 | all day
Advance ticket sales are required.
Day Off Fun (Addison)
February 26, 2021 | 7:00am – 6:00pm
Must register in advance.
School Day Off (Lombard)
February 26, 2021 | 7:00am – 6:00pm
Must register in advance.
Nature Scavenger Hunts: Blizzard Bash (Lyman Woods, Downers Grove)
February 26, 2021 | 8:00am – 5:00pm
School Day In (Oakbrook Terrace)
February 26, 2021 | 8:30am – 3:30pm with extended hours available
Must register in advance.
School’s Out (Roselle)
February 26, 2021 | 8:30am – 3:30pm
Must register in advance, with before and after-care options available.
LINK Day Off Adventures (Downer Grove)
February 26, 2021 | 9:00am – 4:00pm, with extended hours available
Must register in advance.
ActivKids Days Off Club (Carol Stream)
February 26, 2021 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Must register in advance. Before and after care also available.
Nature Outings (Glen Ellyn)
February 26, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Must register in advance.
Ambassador Tour (Willowbrook Forest Preserve, Glen Ellyn)
February 26, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am or 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance.
Nerf Wars (Westmont)
February 26, 2021 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Must register in advance.
Open Nature Play Day (Trailside Nature Center, River Forest)
February 26, 2021 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Registration is required.
Farm Life in Winter (Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago)
February 26, 2021 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Cabin Fever Frenzy: Oswegoland-opoly (Oswego)
February 26, 2021 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance
Winter Lights at Central Park (Oak Brook)
February 26, 2021 | 4:30pm – 9:30pm
Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance.
Glitzy Girlz – New Year Pajama Pamper Night (Carol Stream)
February 26, 2021 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Must register in advance.
Daddy Daughter Dance: Mask Parade Ball (Roselle)
February 26, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:30pm or 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Must register in advance.
Winter Science Hike (Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton)
February 26, 2021 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Must register in advance.
Saturday
The DuPage Area STEM Expo is still running on Saturday, but there are also great ways for your scientists to explore. Rocks Rock! at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook or Ice Science in Downers Grove will inspire curious minds. Aren’t you loving the warmer weather we’re having? Check out the ice sculptures still in display in downtown Wheaton before they melt away.
DuPage Area STEM Expo (Virtual)
February 27, 2021 | times vary
Discovery Bags (Downers Grove Public Library)
February 27, 2021 | all day
Nature Scavenger Hunts: Blizzard Bash (Lyman Woods, Downers Grove)
February 27, 2021 | 8:00am – 5:00pm
Indoor Farmer’s Market (Batavia)
February 27, 2021 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
19th Annual Children’s Literature Breakfast (Virtual)
February 27, 2021 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Must register in advance.
Winter Story Trail (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
February 27, 2021 | 9:00am – 3:00pm
Lake View Nature Center Open House (Oakbrook Terrace)
February 27, 2021 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Ice Science (Downers Grove)
February 27, 2021 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Must register in advance.
Rocks Rock! (Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Bolingbrook)
February 27, 2021 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Must register in advance.
Farm Life in Winter (Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago)
February 27, 2021 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
That’s Amore! Daughter Date Night at Home (Carol Stream)
February 27, 2021 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Must register in advance.
Winter Lights at Central Park (Oak Brook)
February 27, 2021 | 4:30pm – 9:30pm
Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance.
Full Moon Campfire Hikes (Downers Grove)
February 27, 2021 | 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Must register in advance.
Sunday
While we’re happy to see the sun out lately, we’re still bundling up in our winter gear for now, even as we dream of these indoor pools that are offering family swim times.
Nature Scavenger Hunts: Blizzard Bash (Lyman Woods, Downers Grove)
February 28, 2021 | 8:00am – 5:00pm
Winter Story Trail (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
February 28, 2021 | 9:00am – 3:00pm
Dr. Suess is on the Loose Lunch! (Oak Park) – cancelled
February 28, 2021 | 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Must register in advance.
Nature Art: Textures, Patterns and Shadow (Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton)
February 28, 2021 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Must register in advance.
Farm Life in Winter (Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago)
February 28, 2021 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Indoor Luau with Moana (Oak Park)
February 28, 2021 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm or 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Must register in advance.
Winter Lights at Central Park (Oak Brook)
February 28, 2021 | 4:30pm – 9:30pm
Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance.
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.
Shamrock Hunt-Around Town (Tinley Park)
March 1, 2021 | all day
Egg Hunt on the Island (Downtown Aurora)
March 1, 2021 | all day
School Days Off (Wood Dale)
March 1, 2021 | 7:00am – 6:30pm with half-day option available
Must register in advance.
Scribble, Wiggle and Giggle (Bloomingdale)
March 1, 2021 | 10:00am – 10:40am
Must register in advance.
Ambassador Tour (Willowbrook Forest Preserve, Glen Ellyn)
March 1, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am or 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance.
Magic Class (Downers Grove)
March 1, 2021 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Must register in advance.
Shamrock Hunt-Around Town (Tinley Park)
March 2, 2021 | all day
Egg Hunt on the Island (Downtown Aurora)
March 2, 2021 | all day
Nature Telling with Lincoln Marsh (Wheaton)
March 2, 2021 | 10:00am – 10:30am
Must register in advance.
Teenie Weenie Dr. Suess Birthday Party (Carol Stream)
March 2, 2021 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Must register in advance.
STEAM to Go Kits (Bellwood Library)
March 2, 2021 | 12:00pm
Pick up a kit to go, while supplies last.
Kids and Creatures Workshops (Naperville Area Humane Society)
March 2, 2021 | 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Must register in advance.
Free Parking Wednesday (Cantigny Park, Wheaton)
March 3, 2021 | all day
Shamrock Hunt-Around Town (Tinley Park)
March 3, 2021 | all day
Egg Hunt on the Island (Downtown Aurora)
March 3, 2021 | all day
Bookworms (Cosley Zoo, Wheaton)
March 3, 2021 | 9:30am – 10:00am
Must register in advance.
Storytime at the Conservatory (Oak Park Conservatory)
March 3, 2021 | 10:00am or 11:00am
Must register in advance.
Ambassador Tour (Willowbrook Forest Preserve, Glen Ellyn)
March 3, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am or 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance.
Trail Tales (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
March 3, 2021 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Must register in advance
Re-Opening Day (Chicago History Museum)
March 4, 2021 | all day
Shamrock Hunt-Around Town (Tinley Park)
March 4, 2021 | all day
Egg Hunt on the Island (Downtown Aurora)
March 4, 2021 | all day
Trail Tales (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
March 4, 2021 | 11:00am – 12:00pm
Must register in advance
Shamrock Hunt-Around Town (Tinley Park)
March 5, 2021 | all day
Cabin Fever: Joke Walk (Oswego)
March 5, 2021 | all day
Egg Hunt on the Island (Downtown Aurora)
March 5, 2021 | all day
Ambassador Tour (Willowbrook Forest Preserve, Glen Ellyn)
March 5, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am or 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance.
It’s a Zoo! (Warrenville)
March 5, 2021 | 4:00pm – 5:15pm or 6:00pm – 7:15pm
Must register in advance.
Mother/Son Dance (La Grange)
March 5, 2021 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Must register in advance.
Super Smash Bros Tournament (Carol Stream)
March 5, 2021 | 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Must register in advance.
Parents’ Night Out (Geneva)
March 5, 2021 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Registration is required.
Superhero Training (Oak Park)
March 5, 2021 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm or 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Must register in advance.
Daddy Daughter Date Night (Lombard)
March 5, 2021 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Must register in advance.
Shamrock Hunt-Around Town (Tinley Park)
March 6, 2021 | all day
Cabin Fever: Joke Walk (Oswego)
March 6, 2021 | all day
Egg Hunt on the Island (Downtown Aurora)
March 6, 2021 | all day
Oak Forest Fleadh Pre-Parade Festivities
March 6, 2021 | 8:30am – 10:30am
St. Patrick’s Day Gold Coin Hunt (Burr Ridge)
March 6, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Be A Police Officer (Bloomingdale)
March 6, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Must register in advance.
Maple Sugaring Days (Creek Bend Nature Center, St. Charles)
March 6, 2021 | 10:00am – 2:30pm
Youth Video Game Club (Oak Park)
March 6, 2021 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Must register in advance.
Maple Sugaring (Kline Creek Farm, Warrenville)
March 6, 2021 | 1:00pm – 3:50pm
Register online for your 20-minute tour time.
Mother Son Big Pig Tournament (Oswego)
March 6, 2021 | 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Must register in advance.
Lantern-Lit Night Hike (James “Pate” Philip State Park, Bartlett)
March 6, 2021 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Register in advance, with walks leaving every 20 minutes.
Shamrock Hunt-Around Town (Tinley Park)
March 7, 2021 | all day
Cabin Fever: Joke Walk (Oswego)
March 7, 2021 | all day
Egg Hunt on the Island (Downtown Aurora)
March 7, 2021 | all day
Running o’ the Green 8k (Tinley Park)
March 7, 2021 | 8:00am
Register in advance.
Maple Sugaring Days (Creek Bend Nature Center, St. Charles)
March 7, 2021 | 10:00am – 2:30pm
Maple Sugaring (Kline Creek Farm, Warrenville)
March 7, 2021 | 1:00pm – 3:50pm
Register online for your 20-minute tour time.
Pillow Cases & Cards for Our Troops (Inside Out Club, Naperville, Virtual)
March 7, 2021 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Must register in advance.
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!
Looking Ahead…
Find even more family-friendly events in our full roundup of March 2021 events.
You might also be interested in…
Start Planning Your Summer with Our 2021 Summer Camp Guide
Grab Your Sled and Find the Best Place to Go Sledding in the Western Suburbs
Glide Through Winter at Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
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
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.