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Events and Activities in Chicago for Kids This Weekend
Thursday, Jan. 29 - Monday, Feb. 2
Looking for family-friendly activities in Chicago this weekend? Here are some fun events to add to your list!
Best Things To Do This Weekend In and Near Chicago With Kids
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Free Neighborhood Tour
Various Chicago Neighborhoods- FREE
Closes Sunday, February 1
The Chicago International Puppet Theater’s Festival Neighborhood Tour presents free family-friendly puppet shows outside a different Chicago theater venue each day. The 35-minute performances give families who might not usually get a chance to see puppetry enjoy the show. This year's presentations include "Stone by Stone," performed by Tian Gombau and "Happy Birthday, Mon Ami" performed by Alex Olmsted. Website
Groundhog Days in Woodstock
Woodstock
Thursday, January 29- Monday, February 2
The Chicago area's own Woodstock Willie will predict whether we will have an early spring or six more weeks of winter at Woodstock Square. Families can tour the grounds where the classic movie was filmed and participate in a Groundhog Day bags tourney. Website
Ice Festival Downtown Downers Grove
Downers Grove
Friday, January 30-Sunday, February 1
Bundle up and head to Downtown Downers Grove for the annual Ice Festival! Enjoy more than 60 stunning ice sculptures displayed throughout the downtown, sponsored by local businesses. Watch live carving demonstrations on Friday from 5:30-7:30pm at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street, and then on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm at the Main Street Train Station. Website
After Hours Mini Golf at Berwyn Public Library
Berwyn- Free
Friday, January 30
Get out of the house and practice your putting at this after-hours event at Berwyn Public Library. The course will consist of three holes created on each floor of the library. Each participant receives a new book. Website
Schaumburg Park District Family Game Night
Schaumburg
Friday, January 30
Gather your family for an evening of fun and games! Enjoy your favorite board games along with delicious pizza and snacks. Website
Northwestern University’s 83rd Annual Dolphin Show Presents “Footloose”
Evanston
Friday, January 30- Saturday, January 31
America’s largest student-produced musical returns for its 83rd annual production with Footloose! Produced by Aiden Kaliner, Ryan Lien, and JingXi Yap and directed by Katherine Horton, this year’s Dolphin Show presents a bold new take on Footloose. When the young protagonist Ren moves to the small town of Bomont, he faces an oppressive reality—the town has outlawed dancing. The story follows Ren as he dares to be different, inspiring his friends and challenging the authority of minister Shaw Moore. Website
Winter Wonderland: A Family Adventure
Downers Grove
Saturday, January 31
Bundle up and discover the hidden wonders of winter! Drop in anytime between 10:00am and 2:00pm to play winter games, make crafts and more! Outside, there will be a variety of activities: a self-guided hike, ice-carving, snowshoes (weather permitting) and imitation sleigh rides. Inside the Interpretive Center, we have animal meet & greets, shaved ice, arts & crafts, and of course special treats. Website
Once Upon a Symphony: The Ugly Duckling
Downtown
Saturday, January 31
A young duckling is teased for being different. After facing loneliness and other struggles, the duckling matures into a stunning swan, realizing true beauty comes from within. Explore this musical portrait of self-discovery, acceptance and inner strength. Once Upon a Symphony is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ignite your child’s imagination with vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre. Website
Live Ice Sculpting in Lakeview
Lakeview
Saturday, January 31- Sunday, February 1
Enjoy a live ice sculpting activation in Lakeview to liven up your weekend. Watch Master Ice Carvers make winter magic happen as they sculpt a block of ice into a beautiful creation of the audience’s choosing! That’s right — bring your ideas, as the ice sculptor will ask the audience for suggestions of what to create. Website
Addison Community Fine Arts Festival
Addison- FREE
Saturday, January 31
The Addison Community Fine Arts Festival is a community event designed to showcase the vibrant fine arts education in Addison! Performers at the event will include students from Lake Park Elementary, Stone School Musicians, Stone First Grade, Indian Trail Performing Arts Ensembles, and Beginning Performing Arts. In addition to live performances, there will be a district-wide display of visual art and media, as well as art submissions from Addison Trail students. Website
Kidpalooza at North Suburban YMCA
Northbrook - Free
Sunday, February 1
Kidpalooza is a free family event at the North Suburban YMCA, designed to provide an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community for families of all backgrounds. This indoor event is the perfect way to get out of the house during the winter months and enjoy interactive activities, games, and entertainment in a welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere. Website
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum — Family STEM Event Featuring Author Ashley Key
Lincoln Park
Sunday, February 1
Families are invited to a special northern-lights-themed STEM storytime, craft, movement activity, and live science demonstration with children’s author Ashley Key at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences in Chicago. This hands-on program blends science education, sensory learning, creativity, and movement-based exploration and is perfect for preschoolers, early elementary students, homeschool families, and young science enthusiasts. Website
Kids Valentines Day Party at Park and Field
Logan Square
Sunday, February 1
Celebrate Valentine's Day with crafts and a magic show at Park & Field. Full food and drink menus will accompany a magic show from Cosmic Underground and a Valentines card crafting station. Website