Chicago family events
25 upcoming. Family-friendly events in Chicago and suburbs: kids, theater, festivals, museums, zoos.
TodaySaturday, October 17
10amFree
Lincoln Park ZooOne-day Halloween morning at the free zoo: trick-or-treating with sustainably sourced candy, a scavenger hunt, free carousel rides, and kid-friendly entertainment. Ends when the candy runs out.
10am to 6pm, through Oct 18
Brookfield Zoo ChicagoBrookfield Zoo's daytime Halloween weekends: trick-or-treating around the grounds, costume parades at noon and 3pm on weekends, and free inflatables for ages 3 to 10. Included with zoo admission.
10am to 5pm, through Oct 18Free
Lincoln Park ZooFall weekends at the free zoo: pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, s'mores, stilt walkers, live music, and rides (tickets extra). Free admission.
10am to 4pm, through Oct 17
Schreiber Center for Human ServicesKohl Children's Museum's pop-up in Round Lake with hands-on STEAM exhibits: Airmazing, the Art Studio, Build It, and Pet-Vet. Open Thu-Sat 10 to 4 (also Wed 4 to 6pm per the museum site).
1pm, every SaturdayFree
Navy PierFree Halloween-season Saturdays at the Pier with hands-on science labs, a mobile art studio, toy-making, mask-making, a dance workshop, indoor trick-or-treating, and a costume contest.
TuesdayOctober 20
5 to 9pm, every TuesdayFree
Shedd AquariumFree general admission for Illinois residents on Tuesday evenings 5 to 9 through mid-December. Registration recommended; note it is an evening slot.
SaturdayOctober 24
9am to 2pm
DuPage Children's MuseumIndoor, non-scary costume event at the children's museum: brew-your-own slime, pumpkin hammering, leaf piles, a spooky science show, and Tiny Great Performances at 11 and 11:45. Included with museum admission.
10am to 2pm, through Oct 25
Naper SettlementNew for 2026: trick-or-treating through the historic village, a Disney tribute band, inflatables, slime-making, and a fright-free haunted house. $15 adults, $10 kids 4-12, free under 4.
11am to 1pmFree
City VWEvanston's Main-Dempster Mile trick-or-treats the district 11am to 1pm, then hosts a block party with Frozen Ravens SC carolers, a kids costume parade at noon, a pet costume parade at 12:15, and a pumpkin contest. Free.
2 to 5pmFree
Gompers ParkFree neighborhood Halloween party on the Northwest Side: kids costume parade with a stilt walker, trunk-or-treating, a decorate-your-own pumpkin patch, spooky story time, games, a fire truck, and the Jesse White Tumblers.
TuesdayOctober 27
All day
Kohl Children's MuseumOpening day for a new life-sized pop-up storybook exhibit exploring how everyday actions grow gratitude and respect, designed for young children.
SaturdayOctober 31
12 to 4pmFree
Danada Equestrian CenterHalloween-day trick-or-treating at the equestrian center, noon to 4pm, with the horses in costume. Free; some activities carry a small fee.
SundayNovember 1
1pmFree
Navy PierA free Day of the Dead celebration with a community ofrenda, Catrina face painting, marigold-crown and puppet-making workshops, and a family screening of Coco.
SaturdayNovember 7
10am to 3:30pm
Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryOne-day kickoff for the museum's Christmas Around the World: cultural performances 10am to 3:30pm and the four-story Grand Tree lighting at 11am. Included with museum admission.
9:30am to 4pm, through Jan 3
Griffin Museum of Science and IndustryThe 84th annual exhibit: more than 50 community-decorated trees representing cultures worldwide plus Holidays of Light displays around the four-story Grand Tree. Included with museum admission.
FridayNovember 20
10am, through Nov 22
Marriott TheatreMarriott Theatre's hour-long Theatre for Young Audiences show with no intermission and a cast Q&A after, at 10am most days Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets around $17; under-2s on laps free.
4pmFree
Millennium ParkThe city's official tree lighting: family celebration starts at 4pm with holiday entertainment and fireworks after the 6:30pm lighting. Free.
4:30 to 9pm, through Nov 25
Lincoln Park ZooLincoln Park Zoo strung with holiday lights on select evenings from late November, with photos with Santa through Dec 23, a scavenger hunt, the Ferris wheel, and carousel rides. $7 to $12 in advance ($20 day of); free most Mondays with reservation.
11am to 9pm, through Dec 24Free
Daley PlazaThe 30th annual German Christmas market in the Loop: wooden vendor stalls with gifts and gluhwein, the Christkind and Santa appearances, and the Kinder Club for little ones. Free admission.
SaturdayNovember 21
11am to 4pmFree
Pioneer CourtThe daytime family part of the 35th annual Lights Festival: interactive kids activities, festive booths, and live music at Pioneer Court from 11 to 4 before the evening parade and fireworks.
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