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Veterans Day Weekend 2024 in Chicago: 19 Best Things To Do With Kids

Celebrate Veterans Day this weekend in Chicago. Photo by 416th Theater Engineer Command Army Reserve via Flickr. (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Celebrate Veterans Day this weekend in Chicago. Photo by 416th Theater Engineer Command Army Reserve via Flickr. (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
11/6/24 - By Siobhan Adcock

Looking for things to do this Veterans Day weekend in Chicago? Here are some kid-friendly events happening this Veterans Day weekend.

Between Halloween and the holidays each year, we take a day off to celebrate those that have served in the military with Veterans Day. Show your respect and teach kids about veterans with events at Cantigny or Brookfield Zoo Chicago. It's also Diwali, and kids can enjoy dancing, stories, and more at events in Bridgeport and Elmhurst. Kids' theater is also having a moment now, with "Milo Imagines the World" closing at Chicago Children's Theatre and "The Little Mermaid" opening at Drury Lane

Plan ahead to Thanksgiving by making a reservation at one of our favorite family-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving. You might also want to buy a ticket for the Polar Express—they're selling out fast!

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids:

Milo Imagines The World - A World Premiere Musical. Poster courtesy of the production.
Milo Imagines The World - A World Premiere Musical. Poster courtesy of the production.

Things To Do This Veterans Day Weekend 2024

The Little Mermaid at Drury Lane Theater

Oak Brook
Opens Wednesday, November 6
Experience the classic Disney tale of Ariel, the little mermaid with the big voice and the desire to be part of your world, at this mainstage production at Drury Lane Theater. The show includes favorite songs like “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Kiss the Girl." READ MORE

Chicago Toy and Game Fair

Rosemont
Friday, November 8- Sunday, November 10
Explore, discover and experience the latest toys and games for the holiday season.  The Chicago Toy & Game Fair is once again a go-to destination to discover “what’s hot for the holiday” and to try out some amazing toys and games before Black Friday.  You’re certain to find some great additions to your families collection of toys and games. READ MORE

Hanover Park Day of the Dead Dance

Hanover Park
Friday, November 8
Celebrate Mexican heritage with a Latin music, authentic Mexican food, and face painting. The event also includes craft tables, a Dia inspired photo booth, and games like Loteria for both kids and adults. READ MORE

Stars, Stories & S'mores

South Side
Friday, November 8
Enjoy a cozy fire, s'mores, and stories celebrating Native American Heritage for Native American Heritage month. Kids can also stargaze at this Forest Preserve District event. READ MORE

EIAA's 3rd Diwali Party

Elmhurst
Saturday, November 9
Join Elmhurst Indian-American Association for an evening of celebration for Diwali! The event at the River Forest Country Club includes light bites and pizza for children, cash bar, music, dancing, and a short performance. READ MORE

Saturday Story Time at the Book Stall: "Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic"

Winnetka
Saturday, November 9
Award-winning author Candace Fleming visits the Book Stall for a story time featuring her new nonfiction picture book, Narwhal: Unicorn of the Arctic. Venture to the Arctic Ocean and discover real life underwater unicorns--narwhals--in this stunningly illustrated nonfiction picture book.  READ MORE

Shahnameh For Kids Story Time

Hyde Park
Saturday, November 9
Inspired by Ferdowsi's epic poem, The Shahnameh, this children's book tells the classic Persian tale of Zal, who was born with skin and hair white as snow. Because of his unusual appearance, Zal is abandoned as a newborn by his father at the foot of a mountain, but only to be discovered by the mystical giant bird known as Simorgh. Children's author Arsia Rozegar reads his book at this fun event for the entire family that includes art activities. READ MORE

Holiday Hot Chocolate 1 Mile Run at West Lawn Park

West Lawn
Saturday, November 9
Kids ages 6 and up can test their speed with a one-mile run at West Lawn Park. All skill levels are welcome to run and enjoy a hot chocolate at the finish line! READ MORE

Fossil Quarry Tour

Lemont
Sunday, November 10
Kids can learn more about Chicago's ancient history through fossils. The event will include an indoor presention about fossils and take families on a tour of the quarry. READ MORE

Deepavali: A Celebration of Lights

Bridgeport
Saturday, November 9
Join Kalapriya, Chicago's southeast Asian arts community organization, for Deepavali at Chicago Women's Park and Garden. The celebration will include food, sparklers and art to commemorate the victory of Light over Darkness, Good over Evil, and Knowledge over Ignorance. READ MORE

Lapidary Activity Day at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Oak Brook
Saturday, November 9
Drop by the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art to celebrate the Lapidary Arts with artist demonstrators from the West Suburban Lapidary Club. Learn about cutting and polishing stone, wire-wrap, silversmithing, carving, beadstringing and participate in children’s activities. READ MORE

Family Fun with Little Miss Ann at Fitzgerald's

Berwyn
Saturday, November 9
Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) is a nationally touring, kids musician who has made 6 family music albums including her latest award-winning album "28 Days" which she recorded during the quarantine at home. For their first public kids music concert together in over a year, the Little Miss Ann Band will be performing a energetic, interactive, down-to-earth family music concert that will get the kids clapping, singing, dancing, and jumping along! READ MORE

MCA Family Day

Magnificent Mile
Saturday, November 9
The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) hosts a FREE family day the second Saturday of each month. The event includes free admission to the museum, as well as workshops, open-studio sessions, gallery tours, and performances designed and led by Chicago artists. READ MORE

Lakeshore's Kid Quest

Orland Park and Palatine
Saturday, November 9
Young heroes-in-the-making can choose how they’ll save three kingdoms that need help. Protect the castle by becoming a knight or a wizard, gather food or become a vet to help the wild animals, and more! Enjoy fun crafts, hands-on activities and product play along the way—and guardians, if you check in at the event, you might win a $100 e-gift card! READ MORE

Milo Imagines The World - A World Premiere Musical

West Loop
Closes Sunday, November 10
MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD is a musical odyssey of imagination. Through vibrant song, expressive dance, and a whole lot of imagination, this magical, musical journey takes us through the mind of a child, as he learns to see the world as it really is. A journey from house to home, this play is a real ride! READ MORE

Love Fest

LaGrange
Sunday, November 10
Love Society is asking families to share the love by donating a toy or money to those in need as admission to Love Fest. The event will include food, games, prizes, music, face painting and more! READ MORE

Family Fun Fest

Downtown
Sunday, November 10
Stop in for an open-house celebration with play activities, music, art, and more for children and families. The event inlcudes a special theater program Bookworms with Kerfuffle at 1:30 and 3 p.m. For kids of all ages and their caregivers.  READ MORE

Brookfield Zoo Veterans Day Celebration

Brookfield
Monday, November 11
Families can salute the armed forces with a free day at Brookfield Zoo, including many celebratory events. The zoo will display veterans' memorabilia and vehicles at the Discovery Center and host a presentation about Ambassador Animals at 11 a.m. Families can also enjoy performances by the Legacy Girls and Jesse White Tumblers and a posting of the colors and singing of the National Anthem. READ MORE

Veterans Day Family Activities at Cantigny

Wheaton
Monday, November 11
The West Chicago Public Library District and Cantigny invite you to a special story time this Veterans Day! It’s a day to honor and thank all the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces — whether in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard. Library staff will share a heartwarming story inspired by heroes, with a special guest reader who is a veteran! Sing along to patriotic songs and grab a veteran-themed activity (while supplies last) to take home. READ MORE

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