What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL, February 28th – March 1st, 2020

Looking for things to do in the city and suburbs this weekend?

Here are over 40 family friendly events happening through Chicagoland this weekend!

Major Ongoing Events this Week:

 

 

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo

• McCormick Place: South Building
• Feb 28th – Mar 1st
• “C2E2 stands for the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo. It’s the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest. C2E2 espouses that all nerds need a place to call home. Whether you’re a fan of comic books, cosplay, video games, anime, TV shows, movies, books, wrestling, comedy, or anything else – C2E2 is your home for good and geeky times.”

Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music

• The Chicago Theatre
• Saturday & Sunday
• “Nick Jr. Live “Move to the Music” follows Dora and her PAW co-hosts, Marshall and Rubble, as they team up with their Nick Jr. friends for a music-filled production. Bubble Guppies, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues and You, Blaze and the Monster Machines and Top Wing are throwing a Nick Jr. celebration you won’t want to miss!”

Monster Jam

• Allstate Arena
• March 1st – 4th
• “Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series brings adrenaline-charged family entertainment to fans across the country. These world-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes deliver what fans want to see most: more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action! Each event tests the versatility of the athletes as they go head-to-head in seven different competitions driving three different vehicles — Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs.”

Red Kite, Brown Box

• Chicago Children’s Theatre
• February 29th – March 21st
• Fridays at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1 PM, Saturdays at 12 PM and 1:30 PM
• “Red Kite, Brown Box is a nationally unique, live theater experience that leads children with autism and their caregivers on an imaginative journey where simple cardboard boxes transform into a magical world full of treasures and joyous play.”

The Ghost In Gadsden’s Garden

• The Actors Gymnasium
• Now playing through March 22nd
• “The Actors Gym applies its unique brand of physicalized stage-craft to tell a ghastly tale of garden tending. Join us for an all new spectacularly spectral circus!”
• Not recommended for children under age 5

The Orchid Show

• Chicago Botanic Garden
• Feb 8th – March 22nd
• “We play with color in artistic installations and feature 10,000 brilliant blooms in unexpected ways: via a towering kaleidoscope, a floating carpet, and a dramatic chandelier, designed to be lit and transformed by the winter sun.”

NOTORIOUS RBG: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG

• Feb 9th – Aug 16th
• Illinois Holocaust Museum
• “Based on the book and Tumblr page of the same name, Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the first-ever museum exhibition focused solely on this judicial icon, whose image graces mugs, t-shirts, posters, and bobbleheads. The exhibit is a vibrant exploration of Justice Ginsburg’s life and her numerous, often simultaneous roles as a student, wife, mother, lawyer, judge, women’s rights pioneer, and Internet phenomenon. Whether you’re a fangirl or a legal scholar, don’t miss this blockbuster exhibit!”

Explore Ice Castles

• Lake Geneva, WI
• Multiple dates and times
• “Ice Castles is bringing fairy tales to life this season at Geneva National Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Let your imagination run wild as you explore caverns and tunnels made entirely from ice. Race down an ice-carved slide and squeeze through crawl spaces and slot canyons to discover new experiences around every corner. With fountains, thrones, wishing wells, and more, you’ll be mesmerized by this unique, and family-friendly attraction. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic!”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.” 

Dragons Alive! The Science and Culture of Reptiles

• Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
• “The exhibit features 10 species of reptiles from around the world for you to see up close. Stare into the deep eyes of the bearded dragon, measure yourself against the mighty black-throated monitor, and wonder at the beauty of the colorful jeweled lacerta. The frilled dragon, blue-tongued skink, and the majestic uromastyx are ready to show you how these fierce creatures have inspired people throughout the ages. Through encounters with live collections and kid-friendly activities, the limited-time exhibit offers something for everyone. Let your imagination soar to new heights as you explore the exciting connections between dragons, people, and cultures!”

Remembering Dr. King

• Chicago History Museum
• Open now until September 8th
• “Remembering Dr. King: 1929–1968 invites visitors to walk through a winding gallery that features over 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work and the Civil Rights Movement, with a special focus on his time in Chicago. Chicago, like other US cities, erupted in the wake of King’s assassination on April 4, 1968. While the center of his activism was focused on dismantling southern Jim Crow, the systems that kept African Americans oppressed in the American South, he spent time in Chicago and often spoke out on the realities of northern discrimination, particularly around the issues of poverty, education, and housing.”

 

 

FRIDAY

 

 

10:30 AM: Broadway Storytime

• Hello Baby: 600 E. 61st Street, Chicago
• “Created by a professional performer turned an early childhood development specialist. Broadway & Me’s unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate.”
• Feb 28th theme = Pippin

10:30 AM: Incredible Bats and Friends

• Batavia Public Library
• “Fermilab Natural Areas presents: Incredible Bats and Friends. Meet Nature’s Misunderstood creatures that inhabit our ecosystems and even our backyards! Maxi, Ollie, Togo, Blossom and Buttercup are educational ambassadors that will help you understand why these creatures are so important.”
• Donations for the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry are appreciated as well as donations for dog food either canned or dry.

10:30 AM: Storytime in the Park with Captain Marvel

• Fox Valley Mall, Level 1 in Center Park
• “Join us for storytime with this marvelous captain! The event is free and welcome to all ages. Light snack will be provided.”

11:00 AM: Arbor Reading Adventures

• The Morton Arboretum, Sterling Morton Library
• “Join us in the Sterling Morton Library for this popular and interactive story time! We’ll read stories, make a craft and then head out on the grounds for an adventure walk. Themes change weekly.”

12:00 PM: Black History Month Celebration at Carver

• Carver (George Washington) Park: 939 E. 132nd St.
• “Join us as we celebrate pioneers in the fields of Civic/Political Engagement, Inventors, Arts & Culture, Sports, Technology, Health & Science. Activities will include performances, cultural interactive displays, and tours.”

1:30 PM: Farm Life In Winter

• Kline Creek Farm
• “There’s a new lineup every day! Harvest ice on the lake, watch repairs in the wagon shed, check for new lambs, or enjoy a sleigh ride.”

4:00 PM: Frozen Necklace Craft

• Learning Express Glen Ellyn
• “Free event. Reservations required. Ages 2+. Call today to reserve your spot. 630-942-8574”

5:00 PM: Freeze Fest

• The Zone, Mt. Prospect
• “Join us at The Zone for a fun-filled night of activities, games, and entertainment! All ages are welcome. Participants 16 years old and younger are $5 per person. All proceeds go to Send a Kid to Camp!”
• There’s plenty enjoy:
  • Parkour & Turf Activities
  • Bounce Houses
  • Entertainment
  • Arts & Crafts Zone
  • Concessions
  • FREE Freeze Pops & Giveaways

6:00 PM: Family Painting at Rosedale

• Rosedale Park: 6312 W. Rosedale Ave
• “As a family, participants will learn basic techniques including brush strokes and work in a variety of mediums to create one of a kind pieces of art!”

 

SATURDAY

 

 

9:00 AM: Little Red Donut Truck

• Geneva Ace Hardware
• 9 AM – 1 PM
• “WE’RE SO EXCITED! Our favorite Little Red Donut Truck will be back, serving up hot, delicious apple cider donuts. Mark your calendar! They’re only here for a few hours, so don’t miss out!”

9:00 AM: Everything EXPO!

• Concorde Banquets, Kildeer
• 9 AM – 2 PM
• “The Everything Expo is a FREE community event which will feature over 65 local businesses and community organizations displaying their products and services – everything from physical therapy to fitness, cosmetics to home renewal, money management to community organizations, and more!”
• HERE IS A SNEAK PEAK AT WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE 2020 EXPO!
  FREE Goodie Bags for the first 250 families
  FREE entry & parking
  Food Tastings from local restaurants
  50/50 Raffle and prizes
  Blood Donation Center (on-site)
  Martial Arts demonstrations
  Face painting
  AND MORE…..!

10:00 AM: Sesame Street – Saturday Morning Cartoon Brunch

• Carbon Arc Bar
• “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. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.”

10:30 AM: Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Truck

• Whitmore Ace Mokena
• “We are coming to the Ace Hardware parking lot! Everything is baked right on our new food trailer! We hope to see everyone. We will have our famous lemonade as well.”

11:00 AM: Leap Year Celebration at Rockin’ Jump

• Rockin’ Jump Carol Stream
• “EVERY 4 YEARS WE GET TO CELEBRATE LEAP DAY! ON THIS VERY SPECIAL DAY YOU CAN LEAP BACK IN TO ROCKIN’ JUMP. PURCHASE A 90 MINUTE TICKET AND GET A FREE RETURN PASS!”

11:00 AM: Barnes & Noble Dr. Seuss Storytime

• Barnes & Noble Bolingbrook
• “Join us for a very Seussical Storytime. This special reading and activity time is in partnership with Read Across America! Recommended for ages 2-5.”

11:00 AM: Celebrate Black History Month at Mariano’s – West Loop

• “Artist Dorain Sylvain and her team of teaching artists will lead various stations that children can visit for face painting, puppet making, coloring and collaging at Mariano’s West Loop.” (11 -4 )
• Isaiah Spencer will be performing from 4 – 8

12:00 PM: Black History Month Celebration at Washington

• Washington (George) Park: 5531 S. King Drive
• “Join us as we celebrate pioneers in the fields of Civic/Political Engagement, Inventors, Arts & Culture, Sports, Technology, Health & Science. Activities will include performances, cultural interactive displays, and tours.”

12:00 PM: Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island

• Northerly Island Park
• “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 & 1:30 PM: Red Kite, Brown Box

• Chicago Children’s Theatre
• “Red Kite, Brown Box is a nationally unique, live theater experience that leads children with autism and their caregivers on an imaginative journey where simple cardboard boxes transform into a magical world full of treasures and joyous play.”
• Fridays at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1 PM, Saturdays at 12 PM and 1:30 PM

1:00 PM: Black History Film Fest at Seward

• Seward (William) Park: 375 W. Elm St
• “In honor of Black History Month the Seward Park Advisory Council is proud to show the 2015 film The Black Panthers Vanguard of the Revolution. This documentary tells the story of the organization that has captured America’s interest for over 50 years.”

1:00 PM: Leap Into Fun!

• North Riverside Park Mall, Center Court
• 1 – 5 PM
• “Celebrate this leap year with ceramic frog decorations for kids, balloon artist, and a special appearance by Froggy! Happening at our Center Court.”

1:00 PM: Meet & Greet Buzz Lightyear

• Learning Express Glen Ellyn
• 1 PM – 2 PM
• FREE, don’t forget your camera!

2:00 PM: Leap Day Party

• Alex The Librarian: 4455 N. Lincoln Ave
• “It’s the party that only happens once every four years! How far can you leap? How high? And what is a leap year, anyway? Find the answers to these questions as we celebrate the Leap Year! This program will be held in the Auditorium and is open to all ages!”

2:00 PM: The Fantastic Foam Science Show

• Morton Grove Public Library, Baxter Auditorium
• “Experience hair-raising fun with electricity, liquids under pressure, light refraction, dry ice and foam, and so much more during this science extravaganza.”

2:00 PM: Make Your Own Snow

• American Science & Surplus Geneva
• “Don’t you love the snow on the ground? Let’s make our own! Stop by this Saturday, February 29th, 2020 from 2-4pm for this week’s FREE activity! Take home a snowball that will never melt!”

2:00 PM & 7:30 PM: Trinity Irish Dance Company

• Auditorium Theatre: 50 E Ida B. Wells Drive
• “Celebrate Leap Day with Trinity Irish Dance Company (TIDC) as they fly across the Auditorium Theatre’s stage! Helmed by founder and Artistic Director Mark Howard and Associate Artistic Director Chelsea Hoy, the company effortlessly “[stretches] the limits of what Irish dance can do aesthetically and rhythmically” (Chicago Tribune).”

2:30 PM: Celebrate Black History Month at Mariano’s – Bronzeville

• “Mariano’s Bronzeville will honor Chicago’s rich musical journey during Black History Month with our Live at Mariano’s event showcasing Chicago artists and musicians. Chicago has created and refined multiple musical genres during its storied tenure as America’s second city, including R&B, Jazz, The Blues, Steppers Music and House Music.”

4:00 PM: Sundown Supper in the Sugar Bush

• Schaumburg Nature Center: 1111 E. Schaumburg Rd
• Meet in the Plum Grove Road parking lot
• “Late winter in the Sugar Bush is an exciting time of year. It’s when the maple sap starts flowing and the air is filled with the smells of spring’s approach and the maple syrup boil down! Bring your family out to experience this time-honored tradition by helping to tap some maple trees, gather sap and tend the boil down. Finally, you’ll get to enjoy a pancake ‘supper’ at Merkle Cabin with real maple syrup.”
• Pre-registered is required and ends at 5 p.m. Feb.28.
• Fee is per family of 4

5:00 PM: Carnival of Exceptional Character

• Elk Grove Park District
• 5 PM – 7:30 PM
• “Join the Community Character Coalition of Elk Grove for the Carnival of Exceptional Character. This all-ages festival celebrates the core of our community strength through our great service organizations and has free, fun for the whole family! There will be food, games and prizes to enjoy including Pop-A-Shot, Ring Toss, Bozo Buckets, a photo booth, bounce house, bocce ball, Strike-A-Light and dog tags to take home from the celebration. Free admission to the public.”

6:00 PM: Shamrock Swim

• Schaumburg Park District Community Rec Center
• “Come to The Water Works and enjoy a unique swim! The pool will be filled with plastic gold coins and you will need to collect as many as you can during your age group. Coins can be redeemed for special prizes. If you’re not swimming for gold, you can swim in the other pools while enjoying Irish music or have an Irish snack! Pre-registration is encouraged by Friday, Feb. 28.‍ Age: 1-7 years old”

 

SUNDAY

 

 

9:45 AM: Chicago Polar Plunge

• North Avenue Beach
• “This fundraiser is extremely important to the 7,500+ Special Olympics Chicago athletes that the Chicago Polar Plunge benefits. We are expecting 4,000+ of you to take the plunge and thousands of spectators on top of that.”
• 9:45 the Opening Ceremony takes place, 10:30 participants will start entering the water!

10:00 AM: wndr x Molly’s Cupcakes Decorating Workshop

• wndr museum
• 10 AM – 12 PM
• Ages 4 years and up recommended
• “Join us for a fun morning of creativity and cupcakes! On Sunday, March 1, wndr is partnering with Molly’s Cupcakes to bring you an elevated museum experience. Not only can you explore the museum, but from 10AM-12PM you can participate in a workshop led by the experts from Molly’s Cupcakes in the West Loop. Each kit will include 4 cupcakes (2 chocolate and 2 vanilla) to decorate. The theme will be “Head in the Clouds”, inspired by one of wndr’s current exhibits. Ages 4 years and up recommended. We’ll see you there!”

10:00 AM: PJ Masks – Sunday Morning Cartoon Brunch

• Carbon Arc Bar
• “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. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 2PM.”

10:00 AM: Hull-House Family Day

• Jane Addams Hull-House Museum: 800 S. Halsted Street
• 10 AM – 4 PM
• “Explore Jane Addams as a queer historical figure and learn about her life-long partnership with social reformer Mary Rozet Smith on a Gender and Sexuality tour. Participate in button-making activities so you can wear your voice throughout 2020. Listen to a story about gender fluidity and expression in our children’s corner. Make your own zine with print-making artists from Marimacha Monarcha Press. Come enjoy a day full of fun, snacks and learning for all families!”

11:00 AM: The Music of Phish for Kids

• Thalia Hall
• “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: Secret Agent Storytime

• Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co.
• “Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to sing, dance, read books, and make crafts with Agent Zach and your friends, parents, and siblings on the first Sunday of every month at the Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. This event is free and open to the public. Recommended for junior agents ages 0-4 and their families.”

12:00 PM: KidsFest

• Oak Park Conservatory
• “What’s all this buzz about?  Join us to discover and celebrate honey bees, beekeeping and what makes them so special.  This annual family event presented by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory is free and includes hands-on educational activities, scavenger hunt, and fun crafts. Tickets are required for this free event. Entry is every half hour.”
• As of this posting the sessions up until noon are sold out, but there is still afternoon availability!

12:00 PM: Elsa & Anna’s Frozen Extravaganza

• Fitz’s Spare Keys, Elmhurst
• “Elsa & Anna have traveled all the way from Arendelle to throw a princess party you and your family won’t forget! Join them as they provide a special showing of FROZEN, sing the soundtrack, do meet & greets and provide fun frozen activities like snowflake stations and group games!”

1:00 PM: Once Upon A Dream in Rockton

• Downtown Rockton
• “Downtown Rockton is turning into a fairytale and comic wonderland for three hours on Sunday, March 1. Eighteen different businesses will be hosting character meet and greets! Admission is free, and you are welcome to visit one or as many as possible during the event.”

1:00 PM: Green & White Skate

• Oak Lawn Park District: 9320 S. Kenton Ave
• “Come out to the Oak Lawn Park District Ice Arena’s Green and White Skate Event on Sunday, March 1st, from 1:00-2:30pm.
  Enjoy an afternoon of skating, a performance by the Oak Lawn Park District Jr. IndepenDANCE dance team, raffles, and music provided by our DJ.
  The Ice Arena is located at 9320 S. Kenton Avenue. $7.00 admission and $4.00 skate rental.”

1:00 PM: Monster Jam Triple Threat Series

• Allstate Arena
• “Monster Jam® Triple Threat Series brings adrenaline-charged family entertainment to fans across the country. These world-class Monster Jam vehicles and athletes deliver what fans want to see most: more trucks, more racing, more freestyle, more donuts, more wheelies, more action! Each event tests the versatility of the athletes as they go head-to-head in seven different competitions driving three different vehicles — Monster Jam trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs.”

1:00 PM: Maple Sugaring

• Kline Creek Farm
• “See how sap becomes syrup as you tap with tools from the 1890s, check the collection buckets, watch sap thicken over the fire, and try a taste of real maple syrup. This program is free, but there is a suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. Registration not required.”