What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL January 31st – February 2nd, 2020

Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this Weekend?

Choose from over 40 family-friendly events happening in Chicago, and the suburbs this weekend!

 

Don’t miss What To Do With Kids for Valentine’s Day to start planning a family friendly Valentine Day adventure!

Major Ongoing Events this Week:

Chicago Restaurant Week

• January 24th – February 9th
• “Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day celebration of the city’s award-winning culinary scene. The 13th annual event brings together hundreds of the city’s top restaurants, representing a near-endless array of cuisines and making it the largest restaurant week in the nation.”

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!”

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.”

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:
  • 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!)

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.”

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

 

 

10:00 AM: Arts & Crafts at 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!”

10:00 AM: Jumperoo Toddler Jump Time

• Urban Air Adventure Park Bloomingdale
• “We offer a special time for our guests who are 5 years old and younger. Every Friday from 10am-12pm, toddlers play for only $9.99. Parents jump for Free!
  Fridays 10am-12pm”

10:30 AM: Broadway Storytime

• Hello Baby: 600 E. 61st St
• “Created by a professional performer turned an early childhood development specialist. Broadway & Me’s unique curriculum is both entertaining and developmentally appropriate.”
• Jan 31st : Trolls

11:00 AM: Arbor Reading Adventures

• Sterling Morton Library at the Morton Arboretum
• “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.”
• Stop by the visitor center to register in person on the day of the program.
• $4 member / $5 non member. Cost does not include Arboretum admission.

8:00 PM: Rockin Jump 5th Anniversary Celebration

• Rockin Jump- Carol Stream
• “Rockin’ Jump – “The Ultimate Trampoline Park” wants to celebrate our 5th Anniversary in Chicago with YOU! NEON JUMP NIGHT at Rockin’ Jump! 8 PM – 11 PM
  Admission for everyone is HALF PRICE: $10 per person. Come get your GLOW on!”

SATURDAY

 

 

7:00 AM: National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

• Sundae Stop: 931 W Belmont Ave
• “February 1st is National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day and the Sundae Stop is opening their doors early to rise and shine in Chicago with some amazing breakfast flavors! All Saturday, February 1st we’ll be offering 1/2 PRICE scoops of our Coffee Oreo and Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavors inside deliciously fresh waffle cones. While you’re in, sign up for our Loyalty Club and check in on Facebook for a free cookie!”

8:00 AM: Jeni’s Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

• Jeni’s Oakbrook Center, Wicker Park, & Southport locations
• “Round up the kiddos, your best pals, grandparents, and cousins and join us on Saturday, Feb. 1 for our fourth annual Ice Cream for Breakfast Day event.
  We’ll be celebrating from 8 a.m. to noon, scooping our new Skillet Cinnamon Roll ice cream for the first time ever—sweet cream cheese ice cream with dark caramel sauce, pastry, so much cinnamon you’ll go weak in the knees. Plus, we’ll have a local roaster on hand serving Coffee Floats—hot coffee with a scoop of ice cream in a souvenir Jeni’s mug (while they last!). What’s more, 100% of profits from our shop sales during the event will benefit DoSomething.org, a digital platform that powers offline action for young people interested in creating social change.”

8:00 AM: George’s National Ice Cream for Breakfast 2020

• George’s Ice Cream & Sweets: 5306 N Clark Street
• “This annual Friends & Family event has become an event to look forward to in Andersonville. Treat yourself to breakfast sundaes only available at this event or indulge with our tasty chocolates. Warm up with a hot chocolate or wake up an afogato made with local Dark Matter Coffee. Or have some of our premium ice cream flavors like Loaded French Toast or Blue Moon for breakfast inspired flavors. Starts at 8am and ends at 2pm. Bedhead and pajamas, definitely welcome.”

9:00 AM: National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

• Plush Horse – Tinley Park
• “Come join us for exciting breakfast ice cream specials and treats!”

9:00 AM: Kimmer’s National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Celebration

• St. Charles, Wheaton, Elmhurst
• “Join us at ALL THREE shops for an ice cream for breakfast celebration! Our doors will open early, at 9am, with our amazing breakfast themed flavors on hand!!
  Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring the whole family!! This amazing day only comes around once a year! We cannot wait!”

9:00 AM: A Princess Tea Party

• Blackberry Farm, Aurora
• “Party guests will sing, dance, and craft with the special princess guests at this royal Valentine’s Day tea that features breakfast or lunch, tea and entertainment. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone ages 1 and up attending must register.”

10:00 AM: Urban Air Adventure Park Fan Appreciation Day

• Urban Air Adventure Park Bloomingdale
• Urban Air Bloomingdale is celebrating 2 YEARS of Family Fun & Adventure!
• Event Details Include:
  • Photo Booth
  • DJ
  • First 100 guests to enter the park at 10:00 a.m. will receive a FREE Basic Pass to our park!
  • Raffle Prizes and Giveaways Throughout the Day
  • Enter in a Drawing for a FREE classic birthday party!
  • Endless Play Members will receive a complimentary FREE basic attraction pass to share with a friend or family member!
  • Endless Play Members will receive a complimentary swag bag full of Urban Air surprises!

10:00 AM: Wonders of Winter

• Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook
• “Try ice fishing, geocaching, snowshoeing, and other winter fun, and then warm up inside Mayslake Hall with activities and info on plants, animals, and more from rangers, naturalists, and volunteers. All ages. Free admission; fees for some activities. No registration. Questions? Call 630-933-7248.”

10:00 AM: Timon & Pumbaa Animated Series 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: Family First Saturdays: Celebrate Sea Lions

• Shedd Aquarium
• “On the first Saturday of February, join us for a deep dive into the world of aquatic life! At this Family First Saturday, you’ll learn about sea lions through hands-on activities, games, crafts and time behind the scenes with Shedd’s animal experts. This program includes aquarium admission, so afterward your family can continue to explore!”

11:00 AM: JuiceBox Concert

• Garfield Park Conservatory
• “With engaging music and dance in a kid-friendly setting, the FREE admission Juicebox programs are geared toward the stroller set and enjoyable for the whole family. Children will experience a diverse range of artistic and educational presentations, with hosts regularly inviting youngsters to move, dance and interact with performers.”

11:00 AM: Alligator Storytime

• Elgin Public Museum
• “Bring the young ones to Elgin Public Museum as Educator Marge Fox takes a chomp out of this month’s Story Hour topic: Alligators! Marge will talk about these amazing reptiles and read a storybook about them in the comfy setting of the Discovery Room. No registration required, just come on in! Free; donations accepted. It is also re-opening day after our January break, so if you come for Story Hour, you can stay on at noon without paying standard museum admission.”

11:00 AM: Celebrate Elmo’s Birthday!

• Barnes & Noble Bolingbrook
• “Step into Elmo’s world at your B&N with a special birthday celebration. Join us for Storytime followed by fun activity sheets, birthday crowns, and stickers to bring home.”

11:00 AM: Winter on the Lake

• Lake Katherine Nature Center, Palos Heights
• ” 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, FREE. (Donations accepted) Join us for this Family FUN Winter Event! We will have face painting, crafts, visits animals and so much more! Join us for an afternoon at Lake Katherine for Winter on the Lake!”

12:00 PM: Fiddleheads

• Garfield Park Conservatory
• “Join us most weekends for activities and projects that get kids and grown ups wondering about the plants and the natural world. Come visit on Saturday or Sunday in the colder months to get a dose of the tropics and keep kids connected to nature throughout winter. And in the summer, join us to explore the beautiful outdoors in our nature play space, Play & Grow. Each week we provide a different science-based activity, like tinkering with plants and blocks, playing games, participating in collaborative art projects, and exploring plants around the world.”

12:00 PM: Cocoa Crawl in Historic Downtown Long Grove

• 308 Old McHenry Rd, Long Grove
• “The Cocoa Crawl celebrates the winter season and the vibrant retail scene in Long Grove. Guests who attend the free event from 12 pm to 4 pm will start at the Visitor’s Center where they’ll pick up a map of participating stores and restaurants before crawling around town to as many spots as they like for complimentary sampling. All Cocoa Crawl stops will be serving cocoa or cocoa-inspired drinks and treats – from hot chocolate popcorn at Signature Popcorn to chocolate bacon stout at Buffalo Creek Brewing. Before calling it a day, Cocoa Crawlers are invited to come back to the Visitor’s Center to vote on their favorite cocoa treat and be entered into a raffle for prizes donated by participants.”

1:00 PM: Shoot For The Stars: Black History Month Kickoff

• Bronzeville Children’s Museum
• Crafts, balloons, music, storytelling
• 1 – 3 PM

1:00 PM: Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade

• 1121 W. Argyle St.
• “The annual Argyle Street Lunar New Year Parade is decades-old local tradition. Come for music, colorful lion dances, and more! Come along with a processional of local groups and floats starting at the Argyle EL stop – all to celebrate the start of the new Lunar Year, the year of the rooster! Join the Argyle Business Community, Uptown United, SSA #34, the Hip-Sing Association, and Alderman Harry Osterman for this special event!”

1:00 PM: A Visit From Svengoolie!

• Pet Supplies Plus, Berwyn
• “Saturday, February 1st from 1-3pm the “Plus” will include SVENGOOLIE for pictures and autographs!
  Get there early to get supplies for your furry friends AND meet America’s favorite Horror Host!”

1:00 PM: Lego City Build

• River Forest Park District
• “Celebrate National LEGO® Day with the River Forest Park District! We will be collaborating with Play-Well TEKnologies and families in the community to build River Forest out of 20,000 LEGO® Bricks. Families will have the opportunity to create River Forest while tackling these questions through play: If you had the chance to design River Forest, how would you do it? What else would you add to the village that you think is currently missing? How would you make River Forest even better than it is now? All Ages (plus an adult) can join at The Depot, 401 Thatcher, River Forest | Pre-registration required: R/$40 per family NR: $50/per family. Code: 4220.3110”

1:10 PM: Chocolate Skate

• Rocket Ice Skating Rink, Bolingbrook
• Every skater gets FREE chocolate!

1:30 PM: Winter Carnival

• Lombard Park District: Sunset Knoll Rec Center
• “Don’t let cabin fever give your family the winter blues! Enjoy some cheer with a FREE carnival. Be sure to bundle up because this is an indoor/outdoor event full of hot cocoa, games, crafts, sledding, and more! Enjoy a ride on the Gold Medal Express train (weather permitting) and an afternoon with friends and family.”

3:00 PM: Family Magic Theater

• Newport Theater
• “Edd Fairman’s interactive family friendly magic show will have you kids up on their feet volunteering for show or participating with the whole group. This hilarious 45 minute comedy magic show is aimed at children 5 to 10 years old. It features lots of silly comedy and amazing magic that will keep even the most jaded adult entertained.”

 

 

SUNDAY

 

 

7:00 AM: Morton Arboretum Dog Admission Day

• The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
• “Hit the trails at The Morton Arboretum with your four-legged friend. Dog admission is $5 per dog. Plus nonmembers must pay the regular admission fee.”

10:00 AM: Darkwing Duck 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.”

11:00 AM: Super Bowl Party!

• Rockin’ Jump – Carol Stream
• 11 AM – 5 PM
• “Come have some fun with the kiddos before the Big Game at Rockin’ Jump! Bring a Can of Soup/Food to Donate and Get Your Second Hour of Jump Time Free!
  Just Purchase 1 Hour of Jump with a donated Food item and your 2nd Hour is FREE. Help us support our local Food Pantries on Superbowl Sunday!”

12:00 PM: Fiddleheads

• Garfield Park Conservatory
• “Join us most weekends for activities and projects that get kids and grown ups wondering about the plants and the natural world. Come visit on Saturday or Sunday in the colder months to get a dose of the tropics and keep kids connected to nature throughout winter. And in the summer, join us to explore the beautiful outdoors in our nature play space, Play & Grow. Each week we provide a different science-based activity, like tinkering with plants and blocks, playing games, participating in collaborative art projects, and exploring plants around the world.”

1:00 PM: Lunar New Year Parade

• Chinatown: 24th Street & Wentworth Ave
• “The procession will head north up Wentworth to Cermak Road, and feature marching bands, colorful floats, traditional lion dances.”