What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL January 24th – 26th, 2019

Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this Weekend?

Here are over 40 family-friendly events happening in Chicago and the suburbs this weekend!

Major Ongoing Events this Week:

 

 

Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures

• Rosemont: Jan 23rd – 26th
• United Center: January 29th – Feb 2nd
• Rosemont: Feb 6th – Feb 9th
• “Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie — and you — embark on a wild ride to your favorite Disney destinations. See the world from the rooftops of London, travel to the sun-soaked Motunui, set off on a safari to the Pride Lands and play at a larger-than-life carnival with Woody and Forky. A fun-filled getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and up-close character interactions! See stars from Mary Poppins Returns, Moana, Frozen, The Lion King, Incredibles 2, Aladdin, Toy Story 4, your favorite Disney Princesses, and Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy.”

SoxFest 2020

• McCormick Place West
• “The 28th annual fan event is the unofficial start for the 2020 Chicago White Sox season, providing more opportunities than ever before for autographs, photos and unique experiences with past, current and futures stars of the Chicago White Sox.”

Marcus Theatre Presents: The Enchanted Tales Film Series

• “Have you ever wished (upon a star) that you could relive the magic of Disney movies on the big screen? This January and February, we’re giving you the chance! Marcus Theatres and Movie Tavern is proud to present Disney’s The Enchanted Tales Film Series. The perfect outing for families and friends of all ages, see these timeless classics in select theatres on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for only $6.”
• Illinois-Addison, Bloomington, Chicago Heights, Elgin, Gurnee, OFallon, Orland Park
• The $6 film lineup:
  • Aladdin (1992) – January 24 – 26
  • The Lion King (1994) – January 31 – February 2
  • Sleeping Beauty (1959) – February 7 – 9
  • Pocahontas (1995) – February 14 – 17 (extended through Monday for President’s Day!)

The Andy Warhol Exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago

• “From A to B and Back Again”
• “More than 400 works offer a new view of the beloved and iconic American Pop artist, not only illuminating the breadth, depth, and interconnectedness of Warhol’s production across the entirety of his career but also highlighting the ways that he anticipated the issues, effects, and pace of our current digital age.”
• This exhibit ends January 26th.

WNDR Museum

• “Home to Chicago’s first ever Infinity Mirror Room by iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, wndr places works from Richard Prince, Barbara Kruger, and Alex Israel in conversation with thought-provoking, innovative technologies and stunning interactive installations. Around every corner comes an opportunity to be creative, discover something unexpected, ask questions, and, most importantly, play.”
• 1130 W. Monroe, Chicago
• “Wake up with wndr! On the second and last Sunday of each month, wndr hosts Sunday Morning Cartoons from 10AM-12PM. Included with your ticket are classic cartoons projected in our Atrium, all-you-can-eat cereal from our cereal bar, and a tour of the museum to finish your morning. You won’t want to miss it! All ages welcome! Kids 10 and under get free admission.”

Jack Frost Winter Village

• Goose Island
• Monday-Friday — 4pm-10pm
• Saturdays & Sundays — 11am-10pm
• Runs through March!
• “Pile on your favorite stylish parka, bundle up tight and grab your favorite cohorts and head off for some winter days full of cheer. Snack on festive treats from a rotating roster of food trucks and sip a warm hot chocolate or down your favorite boozy cocktail from any of Jack’s three full-service bars. Wander through the 2-acre outdoor site and test your aim at outdoor lumberjack Axe throwing or snap your Holiday Christmas card at one of Jack’s infamous Instagramable photo opps, then stop at one of three Holiday gypsy caravan to meet with a mystical fortune teller and discover your ghost of Christmas Past, Present & Yet to Come Future just like Ebenezer Scrooge!”
• All ages.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

• Chicago Kids Company
• Stahl Family Theatre, Chicago: Jan 16th – Feb 21st
• “Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a one-hour musical based on the original fairy tale. It features a hilarious script adapted by Jesus Perez, wit original songs composed by Paige Coffman. This show is one of the most popular Chicago Kids Company productions!”

FORTS! Build Your Own Adventure

• Filament Theatre
• November 30, 2019 – March 15, 2020: Saturday / Sunday @ 1pm & 3pm
• “Enter a world of play and creation as Filament Theatre transforms into a play-space for children and parents to build new worlds. Using cardboard boxes, sheets, clotheslines, and more, build adventures of your own devising. With theatrical design elements working together to support creative play, your family is sure to be swept away in the adventure! Snacks and drinks will be available.”

Toys “R” Us Adventure Chicago

• 830 N. Michigan Ave
• October 24th – January 26th
• “Toys“R”Us and Candytopia are excited to present an all-new, totally immersive, fill-up-your-photo-album super-experience! The Toys“R”Us Adventure is a vast indoor playland that celebrates all the whimsy, silly and FUN of toys. Explore over eight mind-blowing rooms and celebrate play with installations designed around brands you know and love.”

Winterland at Gallagher Way

• Wrigleyville’s Winterland event series has a host of family friendly activities for your family. Ice rink, curling & skating lessons, Santa Claus visits, and movie screenings.
• “Skate all winter long underneath the twinkling lights of Winterland at Gallagher Way! The 8,000 square foot ice rink is open to skaters of all ages, every day of the week. Stop by for a couple of laps, check the schedule for a chance to skate with Clark the Cub, rent a skate aid, or arrive in time for select Wednesday figure skating performances.”

Ice Skate in Millennium Park

• November 15th – March 8th, 2020
• Millenium Park, McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
• “Skating is FREE and open to the public. Those skating with their own skates will need to pick up a FREE admission wristband.”
• The Winter Workouts Program will offer free ice skating lessons for all ages and skill levels on select days.
• “DJs spin the music while skaters spin on the ice on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6-8pm (December 6 & 20, January 3 & 17, February 7 & 21, March 6). Admission is free. Skate rental rates apply.”

Ice Skate at Maggie Daley Park

• The skating ribbon at Maggie Daley park is now open!
• “In the heart of downtown Chicago, with the City’s skyline as a backdrop, a ribbon of ice winds through a rolling landscape providing an ice skating experience unlike any other. The skating ribbon is dramatically different from typical civic ice rinks, creating a multi-sensory activity that is integrated into the landscape. Skaters can experience “alpine in the city” as they lace up their ice skates and follow a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. Complementing the ribbon are places to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and rent skates.”
• Admission is free unless renting skates.

Ice Skate at The Peninsula Sky Rink:

• “Surrounded by Chicago’s skyscrapers and twinkling lights, the rink is tucked into a pine tree winter wonderland and bathed in festive music and snowflake lighting.”

Parkway Bank Ice Skating

• Rosemont
• Bring your skates and skate for FREE! Rentals for $8!

Morton Arboretum Gnome Hunt

• Daily November 2019 through March 2020
• “The animals may be hibernating, but we still have gnomes. Can you find all of the gnomes hiding in the Children’s Garden?“

Morton Arboretum Winter Play

• Daily from 11 am – 3 pm through March 2020
• “Join us in the Children’s Garden for winter time fun! We’ll set out activities to complement the day. Activity may include painting snow or building a fort. Whatever it may be, you’ll find all the tools you need to have some frosty fun.” 

Enchanted Railroad at the Morton Arboretum

• Friday, January 17 through Sunday, February 23, 2020
• “Marvel at a world of tiny enchantment! Watch an intricate miniature model railroad wind through magnificent scenery that the whole family can enjoy.  Watch as more than 10 model trains wind through a two-level display of tree collections from around the world. The trains run at a child-friendly height to thrill even the littlest fan.”
• Included with admission
• “On the day of your visit, you will need to acquire free, timed tickets, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Visitor Center Information Desk.”

Wake Up, Brother Bear

• Chicago Children’s Theatre
• January 21st – February 16th
• Saturdays & Sundays at 9:30 & 11:30 am
• “Wake Up, Brother Bear! is a highly interactive show that will take you and your cubs on a fun-filled journey through the four seasons with a playful pair of bears. Full of music and physical activity, this intimate theatrical experience is the perfect way to see out the waning months of your family’s winter hibernation.”

 

 

FRIDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Pajama Party at Rockin Jump

• Carol Stream
• “You are invited to a PAJAMA PARTY at Rockin’ Jump! Rockin’ Tots Party (Ages 6 & Under) Wear your favorite JAMMIES to Rockin’ Jump! Everyone in Pajamas! Play under the Neon Lights!”
  • Arts & Crafts!
  • Sweet Treats!
  • Tattoo Station
  • Selfie Station!

9:30 AM: Winter Wonderland ToddlerTime

• Sky Zone Joliet
• “Join your favorite characters for an awesome experience, memorable photos, and priceless memories! Toddler Time is a great shared experience for child and parent. A time for your little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, and without interference from the big kids.”
• Jump with your favorite snowman, Olaf!

10:00 AM: Arts & Crafts at Wonderplay Cafe

• WonderPlay & Cafe
• Algonquin
• “Kids can design and dedicate a heart to someone that will then be a part of our Valentine’s Day wall decor!”

12:00 PM: Chinese New Year Kickoff

• Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall, 3rd Floor South
• “Celebrate the start of Chinese New Year with the Chinese Fine Arts Society at the Citywide Chinese New Year Kickoff! Enjoy a free, multi-arts lunch hour performance featuring the Chicago Chinese Cultural Center lion dancers, martial arts, an award winning solo dance by Hao Dance’s Angela Wan, music by Chicago’s own Tuvergen Band performing on a trio of Mongolian and Chinese instruments and the Silk Road Ensemble pipa master Yang Wei.”

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Winter Wonderland ToddlerTime

• Sky Zone Joliet
• “Join your favorite characters for an awesome experience, memorable photos, and priceless memories! Toddler Time is a great shared experience for child and parent. A time for your little ones to discover the joy of being active, bouncing under the supervision of their parents, and without interference from the big kids.”
• Jump with your favorite snowman, Olaf!

9:00 AM: Husky Heroes

• Morton Arboretum
• “Watch lively dog sledding and skijoring demonstrations and meet the champion husky dogs between demonstrations.
  Outdoors near Visitor Center.”
• Learn more about the breed and meet adoptable dogs!
• Stop by the Sterling Morton Library to make a canine-related craft!

9:30 AM & 11:30 AM: Wake Up, Brother Bear

• “Wake Up, Brother Bear! is a highly interactive show that will take you and your cubs on a fun-filled journey through the four seasons with a playful pair of bears. Full of music and physical activity, this intimate theatrical experience is the perfect way to see out the waning months of your family’s winter hibernation.”
• Chicago Children’s Theatre
• Starts Jan 25th, perfect for ages 0-6

10:00 AM & Noon: Brunch With Olaf

• Tap House Grill Lemont
• Calling all Frozen fans…come have Brunch with OLAF himself!!!
• $13.99/child will include their meal, beverage, “Do you want to build a snowman” Olaf kit, Hot Chocolate, Olaf coloring sheets that he will sign, pictures with Olaf, and of course, WARM HUGS!!!
• Reservations are required, as this event will sell out very quickly. Please call 630-257-5992 or email jeffb@taphousegrills.com to make a reservation or with any questions.

10:00 AM: Carbon Arc Bar Saturday Cartoon Brunch

• X-Men Animated Series
• “Every weekend morning Carbon Arc Bar & Board takes over Theater 1 of the Davis Theater and shows cartoons! We serve brunch at the bar/restaurant. Using our direct-connect to the theater your children can hang and watch cartoons while you enjoy some delicious grub & drinks! The shows start by 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM on Saturdays and 12:00PM on Sundays. For anyone caught between end of cartoon and end of brunch they will continue to play in the Dining Room of the restaurant.”

11:00 AM: Storytime and Activities Featuring How To Catch A Dragon

• Barnes and Noble Bolingbrook
• “Celebrate Lunar New Year with this fun Storytime! The wily dragon will have to avoid trap after trap as the kids run through paper lanterns, red envelopes, fireworks, and more! Join us and color your own paper lantern to take home.”

1:00 PM: Frozen Skate

• Rocket Ice Skating Rink, Bolingbrook
• “Public ice skating at Rocket Ice Skating Rink provides a great opportunity for the whole family to get out on the ice together. It is a fun setting for beginners to give skating a try in a relaxed environment. The music rocks and the mood is friendly, so come out and join the fun skating with fun characters!”

1:00 PM: Global Connections: Chinese New Year

• Navy Pier, Aon Grand Ballroom
• “Free public programming, presented by ComEd! Join us in the Aon Grand Ballroom for an afternoon celebration of Chinese New Year, featuring live dance, music, and other performances, plus traditional food, crafts and more! Usher in the “Year of the Rat” with a traditional Chinese New Year Celebration that’s More Than You Imagine. Presented in partnership with the Chinese Fine Arts Society, this vibrant display of cultural expression features festive décor, bold costumes, customary music and more. Authentic Chinese cuisine from New Furama Restaurant will be available for purchase.”

1:00 PM: Lunar New Year Kick-off Event

• Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont
• Food Court
• Games and activities from 1 – 2 pm, performances begin at 2 pm. Games and activities continue until 3:30.

3:00 PM: Frosty Fest

• Red Oak Nature Center, Batavia
• “Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate winter! Families are welcome to join us at Red Oak for our 1st Frosty Fest where you can go for a snowman scavenger hunt on our snowflake trail, build your own frosty friend and enjoy seasonal snacks while warming up by the fire. Everyone 3 years and up must purchase a ticket for entry.”

4:00 PM: Skate Night at North Park

• North Park Sports Facility
• Lincolnshire
• “Skating, s’mores, fireworks, and ice sculptor.”

5:30 PM: Family Night Out for Families with Special Needs

• Dupage Children’s Museum
• “Family Night Out provides an evening of play and learning for children with special needs and their families, focusing on the autism spectrum and other sensory processing disorders as well as physical disabilities. Finding places for the whole family to play without stress can be difficult, but this after-hours event allows for a time to experience the Museum in a calmer, less crowded environment. Some lighting and sound will be muted, and additional sensory activities and cool down spaces will be provided. Admission is FREE, but registration is required. In an effort to provide a sensory-friendly environment, admission will be capped at 300 guests.”

 

 

SUNDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Husky Heroes

• Morton Arboretum
• “Watch lively dog sledding and skijoring demonstrations and meet the champion husky dogs between demonstrations.
  Outdoors near Visitor Center.”
• Learn more about the breed and meet adoptable dogs!
• Stop by the Sterling Morton Library to make a canine-related craft!

9:30 AM & 11:30 AM: Wake Up, Brother Bear

• “Wake Up, Brother Bear! is a highly interactive show that will take you and your cubs on a fun-filled journey through the four seasons with a playful pair of bears. Full of music and physical activity, this intimate theatrical experience is the perfect way to see out the waning months of your family’s winter hibernation.”
• Chicago Children’s Theatre
• Starts Jan 25th, perfect for ages 0-6

10:00 AM & Noon: Brunch With Olaf

• Tap House Grill Lemont
• Calling all Frozen fans…come have Brunch with OLAF himself!!!
• $13.99/child will include their meal, beverage, “Do you want to build a snowman” Olaf kit, Hot Chocolate, Olaf coloring sheets that he will sign, pictures with Olaf, and of course, WARM HUGS!!!
• Reservations are required, as this event will sell out very quickly. Please call 630-257-5992 or email jeffb@taphousegrills.com to make a reservation or with any questions.

10:00 AM: Wild Fest

• Bolingbrook High School
• “Experience Wildlife Like Never Before!
  Featuring Wolf, Alligator, Python, Lizard, Bats, Lynx,
  Opossum, Skunks, Sloth, Armadillo, Owls, Hawk, Falcon,
  Cavy, and More!”
• Exhibitors: Incredible Bats; Crosstown Exotics; The Natural Naturalist; Wildlife Discovery Center; Chgo Herpetological Society; Friends of Scales; Hidden Oaks Nature Center;
  Pilcher Park Nature Center; Fox Valley Wildlife Center;
  and Aquarium Adventure
• Hosted by Big Run Wolf Ranch

10:00 AM: Jack Frost Winter Farmers Market

• Buffalo Grove Indoor Winter Farmers Market
• “Come shop the farmers market this Sunday January 26th from 10am-2pm 2900 N Main St Vernon Township Community Center Buffalo Grove.
• Vegetables, fruit, microgreens, meat, eggs, baked goods, sweets, dog treats and more! Hot food available too!”

10:00 AM: Carbon Arc Bar Sunday Cartoon Brunch

• Gargoyles
• “Every weekend morning Carbon Arc Bar & Board takes over Theater 1 of the Davis Theater and shows cartoons! We serve brunch at the bar/restaurant. Using our direct-connect to the theater your children can hang and watch cartoons while you enjoy some delicious grub & drinks! The shows start by 10:00AM and end at 1:00PM on Saturdays and 12:00PM on Sundays. For anyone caught between end of cartoon and end of brunch they will continue to play in the Dining Room of the restaurant.”

11:00 AM: Music of Grateful Dead for Kids

• Cubby Bear Wrigleyville
• “The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children age ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity. The Rock and Roll Playhouse is an early and often first introduction to a child’s lifelong journey with live music and rock and roll. See you at the show!”

11:00 AM: Baby & Me Storytime and Activities Feat: Five Little Ducks

• Barnes & Noble Bolingbrook
• “Join us every week for our Baby & Me Storytime, as we read a book and participate in activities featuring sensory growth for your little ones. For caregivers and children ages 0-2.”

11:00 AM: Storytime with Drag Queens

• Time Out Market Chicago
• “Switch up your Sunday routine and introduce the whole family to Muffy Fishbasket ‘n Palz and the nationally recognized Chicago chapter of Drag Queen Story Hour, which promotes an early understanding of gender fluidity through glamorous, positive role queer models. Plus, storytime is undoubtedly better with a little glitz and glam.”

11:30 AM: Family Music Concert at SPACE

• Evanston SPACE
• “Bring your kids to this Family Music Concert at SPACE where they’ll surely get up and dance with the Little Miss Ann Band. This upbeat, down-to-earth, fun, interactive Family concert will have your kids clapping, singing, and jumping along! Ann Torralba, aka Little Miss Ann, is an award-winning Chicago Kids Musician, former Chicago Public School teacher, an instructor at the Old Town School of Folk Music, a mom and a First Generation Filipina American.”

12:00 PM: Polar Adventure Days

• Northerly Island
• “Explore Northerly Island and come face-to-face with live animals, engage in winter activities, and create nature-inspired crafts. See the full list of activities below.  Dress for the weather as events take place both outdoors and inside the visitor center.”

12:00 PM: Winter Sports: Winter On The Green

• Breidert Green, Downtown Frankfort
• “Come play on the Green—it’s Winter Sports! Test your skills at ice bowling. Take the snow sled run, if you dare. Play “Short Hockey”. Then warm up by a blazing fire with hot chocolate. Good family fun for everyone!”

12:30 PM: Glen Ellyn Restaurants’ Charity Chili Cook-Off

• Reserve 22
• “Don’t miss the 2nd Annual Glen Ellyn Restaurants’ Charity Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, January 26th at 12:30pm! Purchase your advance tickets discounted for just $15/Adults and $10 Children and receive early admission at Noon! $20 Adults/$15 Children at the door.”

1:00 PM: Galaxy Wars

• Discovery Center Museum
• Rockford
• “Feel the power of the (magnetic) force as you aid an embattled princess and find a suitable planet for a new rebel base. Hone your knightly skills, create a glowing saber, and mingle with costumed characters! Evade Imperial peril, and help destroy a deadly space station. Galactic attire encouraged for this afternoon of imaginative fun!”

1:00 PM: Frozen Skate

• Rocket Ice Skating Rink, Bolingbrook
• “Public ice skating at Rocket Ice Skating Rink provides a great opportunity for the whole family to get out on the ice together. It is a fun setting for beginners to give skating a try in a relaxed environment. The music rocks and the mood is friendly, so come out and join the fun skating with fun characters!”

3:00 PM: Chinese New Year Celebration with the CSO

• Orchestra Hall
• “Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Symphony Center with a dynamic evening of traditional Chinese music and theater. The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra highlights the history, legacy and influence of Chinese culture with a program of works performed on traditional instruments. The Zhejiang Shaoju Opera Theatre brings the festive costumes, percussion and drama of Chinese opera to the stage.”
• Preconcert performance: 1:30–2:30 PM, Buntrock Hall. The program will feature traditional vocal and instrumental works performed by soloists and ensembles from Dong Fang Performing Arts and Yellow River Performing Arts.The preconcert performance program is free to all ticketholders.

4:00 PM: Melting Snowman Slime

• Learning Express – Glen Ellyn
• Free event. Reservations required. Ages 6+. Call today to reserve your spot. 639-942-8574

4:30 PM: Family Snow Ball

• Chicago Children’s Museum
• “Visiting Chicago Children’s Museum is always fun… but coming to a private party after hours is even more fun! Family Snow Ball provides a rare opportunity for families to explore the museum after hours, while raising vital funds for the museum.”