Things to Do for Kids In Chicago in November 2026
"Carmela Full of Wishes" at Chicago Children's Theatre
West Loop
Saturdays & Sundays, November 1-15, 2026
It’s Carmela’s birthday, and her wish has already come true–she’s finally old enough to join her big brother as he does the family errands. On their way to the laundromat, Carmela finds a lone dandelion growing in the pavement and gets ready to make a wish. Should she wish for Mami, who works long hours in a hotel trying to make ends meet? Or Papi, a migrant worker who is currently…absent? Join families from all over the city for this moving ode to family, to dreamers, and to finding hope in the most unexpected places, based on the book by Matt de la Peña. Website
Chicago Kids Company Presents "The Tortoise and The Hare"
Beverly
Various dates, November 5-23, 2026
Chicago Kids' Company presents its one-hour stage play of the classic Aesop's Fable The Tortoise and The Hare. The Hare is ready to win the race at all costs when an unlikely challenger comes to town. Will slow and steady or fast and furious win the race? Find out in this play full of silly animals and an exciting photo finish. Website
Hanover Park Day of the Dead Dance
Hanover Park - FREE
Friday, November 6, 2026
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. Website
Chicago Toy & Game Fair (at Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center)
South Chicago
Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8, 2026
Kick off the holidays with North America's largest toy and game fair, open to the public with immersive events, interactive exhibits, giveaways, and activities for all ages. Play with the coolest new toys, meet your favorite characters, and so much more! Website
New and Expecting Parent Fair (at Bernard Weinger JCC)
Northbrook - FREE
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Connect with local businesses and community organizations; explore resources for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; and take fun, informative mini-classes for parents on topics like infant care, feeding, sleep, safety, and more. Your family can also enjoy plenty of freebies,kid-friendly activities like Touch-a-Truck, and a few surprises! Website
Aurora Veterans Day Parade
Aurora - FREE
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
The City of Aurora recognizes the dedication of local military service men and women that have served our country at the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The parade steps off at the corner of Water Street and Downer Place at 10:15am. Units will march West on Downer Place. The parade will conclude in front of the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum (23 E. Downer Place), where the Serving Our Country and Community ceremony will take place. The ceremony includes a military rifle salute by veteran organizations at 11am, the exact time the armistice was signed that ended WWI. Website
Buffalo Grove Veterans Day Celebration
Buffalo Grove - FREE
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Honor the veterans in your life with a memorable afternoon of music, gratitude, and community. Enjoy lunch followed by an exceptional performance—Saddle Shoe Sisters Salute Veterans. Step back in time with The Saddle Shoe Sisters as they pay tribute to veterans from all branches of the military through beloved classics like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "My Country ’Tis of Thee," "America the Beautiful," and other treasured patriotic favorites. Website
Buildapalooza at WonderWorks Children's Museum
Oak Park
Daily, November 12-23, 2026
Get ready to build, create, and imagine at Buildapalooza. Throughout the museum, kids will have the chance to build with all kinds of materials, from towering brick and tile creations to cardboard masterpieces. Activities will include an exhibit about LEGO and Magna-Tiles, an art room workshop where kids can build with cardboard or other recycled materials, a sensory exploration station wtih LEGO and DUPLO bricks, a waffle block party for little kids, a builder-themed scavenger hunt, and builder storytimes. Website
Pete the Cat (at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts)
Skokie
November 12-14, November 18-20, and November 26-28, 2026
Your favorite cool cat takes the stage in this musical adventure at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. Based on the hit book series, this fun-filled show brings Pete and his friends to life with catchy songs, colorful characters, and plenty of heart. Student matinees and select Saturday performances are available. Website
Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe
Daily, November 13, 2026 - January 3, 2027 (except Mondays and December 24 & 25)
Go for a stroll down a 1.3-mile-long trail of twinkling lights and show-stopping displays at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Website
Lapidary Activity Day at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Oak Brook - FREE
Saturday, November 14, 2026
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, and bead-stringing, and participate in children’s activities. Website
Reindeer Run (at Brookfield Zoo)
Brookfield
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Run with the animals at Brookfield Zoo's annual Reindeer Run. The course is entirely within the zoo and allows runners to be the first to see the Holiday Magic lights. Music, drinks, food, and animal ambassadors will be on hand after the run. Website
Saturday Storytime with Matt Tavares (at The Book Stall)
Wilmette
Saturday, November 14, 2026
The Book Stall welcomes children's author Matt Tavares for a special holiday Saturday Storytime featuring his picture book, Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever. Return to the beloved Christmas story of Dasher—now with exclusive additions featuring art from the Disney Jr. and Disney+ animated special! Mr. Tavares will be hosting a fun storytime and drawing demo with a book signing to follow. Website
Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum
Lisle
Daily, November 14, 2026 - January 2, 2027
Visitors walk a one-mile path with thousands of lights in displays illuminating the trees, accompanied by music. An awe-inspiring display illuminates the new Grand Garden. New this year is a model train that winds through an indoor fantasy woodland. Also new: Illumination features four colorful animal sculptures from The Morton Arboretum’s newest exhibition Vivid Creatures, by artists Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz. See these colorful sculptures lit up for the holidays. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage from concession stands. Website
Santa Arrives by Helicopter (at Stratford Crossing)
Bloomingdale - FREE
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Santa Claus is coming to Stratford Crossing in his helicopter this November. Families can go see his arrival and receive free pictures with Santa with a $25 receipt from any of Stratford Crossing's retailers. Face painting, a magic show, and a balloon artist will also be on hand. Website
Chicago's Drive Through Light Show
Bronzeville
Daily, November 19, 2026 - January 3, 2027
At the Light of Christmas drive through light show, you don't have to freeze to enjoy the magic of holiday lights. A million lights adorn the parking lot of the Chicago White Sox's Rate Field, giving Chicago families the opportunity to drive through the dancing display to make holiday memories. Website
113th Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Downtown - FREE
Friday, November 20, 2026
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the annual lighting of the Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park. The event will also include fireworks and many musical and theatrical performances. Website
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Magnificent Mile - FREE
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Chicago's Magnificent Mile hosts the annual Lights Festival with a parade of lights with Grand Marshalls Minnie and Mickey Mouse. The event includes booths full of family-friendly activities, including pictures with Santa. Website
Light Up The Park at Parkway Bank Park
Rosemont
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district is thrilled to kick off the holiday season with the return of its Chicago Wolves Ice Rink. Visitors can enjoy ice skating beginning at 11am and several other holiday offerings throughout the afternoon leading up to the park’s annual “Light Up The Park” tree lighting event. Website
The Music of Taylor Swift for Kids (at Thalia Hall)
Pilsen
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Rock 'n Roll Playhouse presents a variety of tunes originally by Taylor in a show designed specifically for kids. Paired with games, movement, and stories, the music of this rock icon is part of kids' inspiring journey into music. Website
Turkey Basketball Free Throw Contest (at Kelvyn Park)
Chicago Lawn - FREE
Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Win a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner at this Turkey Shoot in which parent-and-child teams compete together. The best combined scores at the end win a turkey or a pie. Website
Hip Hop Nutcracker
Downtown
Tuesday - Sunday, November 24-29, 2026
The Hip Hop Nutcracker combines Tchaikovsky's score with hip hop dance for a unique experience that appeals to the whole family. The cast features dozens of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Da Brat, who opens the show with a short set. Website
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Downtown - FREE
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Get a seat on State Street early on Thanksgiving morning for a celebration filled with exciting performances, colorful balloons, talented musicians, and enthusiastic bands. The parade steps off at Ida B. Wells Drive and continues north to Randolph Street. Website
"How to Train Your Dragon 2" in Concert
Downtown
Friday - Sunday November 27-29, 2026
When Hiccup and Toothless discover a secret ice cave with wild dragons and a mysterious Dragon Rider, they find themselves in an epic battle to save the future of man and dragons! How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert features this spectacular sequel presented in HD with composer John Powell’s thrilling score performed live to picture by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in an awe-inspiring experience for the whole family. Website
The Nutcracker Performed by Salt Creek Ballet at Hinsdale Central
Hinsdale
Saturday & Sunday, November 28 & 29, 2026
Salt Creek Ballet performs the holiday classic The Nutcracker at locations throughout Chicago, including matinee and evening shows at Hinsdale Central. The ballet takes audiences through a world of toys that come alive, dancing snowflakes, and waltzing flowers. Kids can enjoy a Sugar Plum Party after the Sunday show, giving them a chance to step onstage, meet the cast, and enjoy refreshments in the winter wonderland. Website