Seasonal & Holidays
10 Chicagoland Events To Keep Kids Busy During School Break
Patch has rounded up some family-friendly events to enjoy before winter break is over.
With the kids home for holiday break, parents in the Chicagoland may find themselves looking for events to keep the kids busy during the days ahead to keep boredom at bay.
We’ve rounded up 10 events in the Chicago area that kids can enjoy on their own or with the entire family.
Christmas Around the World
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive Chicago The 83rd annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light features more than 50 trees and displays, each lovingly decorated by community volunteers who share family and cultural traditions drawing on their global heritage. Open daily through Jan. 5.
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On Dec. 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, get an early start on the New Year at this fun, family-friendly celebration made just for little ones! Kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers can enjoy a lively dance party, games and a festive balloon drop right at noon.
New Year's Eve-EVE Party for Kids at the Museum
Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet
This year, bring your little ones to the most exciting, family-friendly New Year’s event in Joliet – the Ultimate Kids’ New Year’s Eve EVE Party! It all happens at the Joliet Area Historical Museum on Dec. 30th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
NOON Year's Eve @Altitude!
Altitude Trampoline Park Oswego, 1600 Douglas Rd, Oswego
New Year's Eve is for grown-ups, NOON Year's Eve is for kids! Join us for the biggest party in town 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with games, giveaways and a Balloon Drop at noon.
Willow Hill Lights
Willow Hill Golf Course, 1350 Willow Rd, Northbrook, IL, 60062
Through Jan. 4, this beloved annual drive-thru light show at the Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook, IL, is packed with exciting new features you won't want to miss! Take a magical journey through 2.5 miles of over 1.5 million dazzling LED lights. Open nightly at 5 p.m.
New Year's Eve Fun Pack at Haunted Trails Joliet
Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center & Picnics, 1423 N Broadway St, Joliet
Celebrate the New Year with us! Enjoy $30 in Game Play, 3 Hours of UNLIMITED Monster Hop, Bone Shaker, AND Laser Tag, plus a Mini 7" 1-Topping Pizza and a Large Soft Drink for only $34.95/guest!
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New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Navy Pier and ring in 2026 in style. Explore, shop, and dine along the Pier, then enjoy everything from Beach Ball Drops to concerts and DJs, plus festive dinners on land
or water. At midnight, gather for Navy Pier’s award-winning fireworks and make it a night to remember for everyone.
All Ages NYE fun at Dave & Buster's
601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg
Join us for an unforgettable Family New Year’s Eve experience packed with fun, games, food, and more festive excitement. From thrilling arcade action to delicious bites and sparkling drinks, we’ve got everything you need to welcome 2026 in style ... without staying up till midnight!
Great American Dog and Cat Show
Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr, Tinley Park
Come together from Jan. 2 to 4 for an exciting weekend to watch dogs from 200 American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds compete for Best in Breed, Best in Group and Best in Show.
Reading Dragons Family Movie Night
14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park
On Jan. 2, start the new year with a movie night featuring dragons in honor of the Orland Park Library's Winter Reading Challenge. Bring your blankets and spread out on the floor. All in attendance get a Reading Dragons card!
If you’re planning a holiday or winter event, feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!
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