Spotlight Chicago
Santa's Winter Land Workshop at Gallagher Way. Photo by Donte Tatum
Christmas Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Holiday Celebrations, The Nutcracker, Lights, and More Things To Do With Kids
Get into the spirit this Christmas weekend with one of these festive activities.
Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Not everything is closed on Christmas Day. Get out of the house and enjoy one of these fun ideas.
Illuminarium at Winterland, photo courtesy of Navy Pier.
Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Winter break is here. We can help fill the days with fun, engaging activities.
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
Hit these slopes near Chicago for family-friendly snow tubing this winter season.
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GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families
Find everything that makes the season merry in Chicago!
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids
Bring on the holiday cheer with these festive activities that keep families merry all December...
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
Get ready for a season full of holiday fun—all of it FREE.
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
Brighten up your holiday nights with a visit to one of these elaborate lights displays and...
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
Share a pizza, cookies, or just a photo with Santa!
The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Our curated list of the best versions of The Nutcracker in the Chicago area.
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Check out these neighborhoods near Chicago for the best lights displays in the area.
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
The must-do holiday events for families in every corner of Chicago.
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Everything you need to know before you go.
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
Museums abound in the Chicago area. Here are the most entertaining ones for kids.
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Plan a short trip away while keeping the cost down.
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Consider this your early childhood bucket list for raising a wee Chicagoan.
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Fun and safe indoor spots for teens and tweens in Chicago.
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
This is our Windy City bucket list for kids. How many have you checked off?
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
These state parks are the perfect weekend activity for your family.
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
Never carry a toddler two miles back to the car again.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Best play spaces and more Chicago spots for when bad weather strikes.
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Great for a special occasion, or just to keep the family entertained for a few hours.
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
Ninja and climbing gyms are a great way for older kids to get out those winter wiggles.
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
It's hard to see Chicago in just three days, but here are some can't-miss suggestions.
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
Having birthday party entertainers come to your home is a great way to host your kiddo's friends...
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
How to see Chicago's best museums and other attractions on a budget with kids.
Galactic Santa Breakfast photo courtesy of the event.
Christmas Around the World, Winter Festivals, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Visit Santa, check out a winter festival, or see a new version of The Nutcracker.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Stahl Family Theatre - 10:30 AM Pick
Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Beverly Arts Center - 10:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Kohlights
Kohl's Children's Museum - 4:30 PM Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box
Music Box Theater - various times Pick
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
I|O Godfrey Roofscape Christmas Eve Brunch with Santa
I|O Godfrey Hotel - 11:00 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Christmas Sing-along and Double Feature at the Music Box
Music Box Theater - various times Pick
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Winter Break Roller Skating at MLK Skating and Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center - various times Pick
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Holiday Flower Show at Wilder Park Conservatory
Wilder Park - 8:00 AM
Featured
Harlem Globetrotters in Chicago
Credit Union 1 Arena - 2:00 PM
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Evanston Menorah Lighting
Fountain Square - 5:30 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Winterland: An Immersive Holiday Experience
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield Zoo - various times Pick

Latest Articles

Make memories at the DuPage Children's Museum's Bubble Bash. Photo courtesy of the museum
25 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Chicago Celebrations for Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Dec 22 - Get kids in on the festive fun well before bedtime. READ MORE
Santa's Winter Land Workshop at Gallagher Way. Photo by Donte Tatum
Christmas Weekend 2024 in Chicago: Holiday Celebrations, The Nutcracker, Lights, and More Things To Do With Kids
Siobhan Adcock, Dec 20 - Get into the spirit this Christmas weekend with one of these festive activities. READ MORE
Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Lauren LaRoche, Dec 15 - Not everything is closed on Christmas Day. Get out of the house and enjoy one of these fun ideas. READ MORE
Illuminarium at Winterland, photo courtesy of Navy Pier.
Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Siobhan Adcock, Dec 13 - Winter break is here. We can help fill the days with fun, engaging activities. READ MORE
Galactic Santa Breakfast photo courtesy of the event.
Christmas Around the World, Winter Festivals, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Dec 11 - Visit Santa, check out a winter festival, or see a new version of The Nutcracker. READ MORE
The artfully decorated Peninsula is a wonderful venue for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, Holiday decorations by Kehoe Designs, photography by Mark Segal
Kid-Friendly Local Restaurants Open on Christmas in Chicago
Lauren LaRoche, Dec 8 - These local restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both. READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Crafts and Recipes for Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house. READ MORE 
Alphabet Soup. Photo courtesy of foodwithfeeling
100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal
Look no further for breakfast, lunch, or dinner inspiration. READ MORE 
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
These programs teach kids how to code, build websites and apps, and more. READ MORE 
Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!
25 Card Games Every Kid Should Know
Spit, Spoon, Snap ... and even some games that don't start with "S." READ MORE 
Create a colorful, texturized world with a DIY sensory bin. Photo by Emma Graig
10 Sensory Bin Ideas for Busy Toddlers
Turn a cheap container bin into a magical indoor play item. READ MORE 
Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps
Trendy cocoa bombs deliver a sweet winter treat. READ MORE