Free things to do with kids this weekend in Chicago (October 23–25)

Bird Banding

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center · Lemont · Ages 3–12

Observe bird banding and talk with banders.

Sunday Market at Jefferson

Jefferson · Chicago · Ages 5–12

Restoration Sunday

Sand Ridge Nature Center · South Holland · Ages 5–12

Help us improve our wildlife habitat by cutting and removing invasive species.

Oak-tober

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center · Willow Springs · Ages 3–12

The Un-Haunted Forest

River Trail Nature Center · Northbrook · Ages 5–12

A whimsical story-hike to solve a spooky mystery.

Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt

Crabtree Nature Center · Barrington Hills · Ages 5–12

Self-guided search for hidden pumpkins on the trail.

Chicago Voyagers’ Fall Jamboree

Caldwell Woods Wellness Center · Chicago · Ages 5–12

Join us for an immersive, family-oriented outdoor event that recreates the spirit of a Chicago Voyagers expedition.

Trunk or Treat

Eggers Grove · Chicago · Ages 5–12

Sponsored by the Forest Preserves and East Side Chamber of Commerce.

Día de los Muertos: Nicho / Day of the Dead: Shadow Box

Main Library · Evanston · Ages 3–12

Downtown Trick-or-Treating

Downers Grove Public Library · Downers Grove · All ages

each service desk Remember to stop by the library during Downtown Trick-or-Treating and visit each of our service desks throughout the building for a small prize.

Grace and the Butterfly Effect - Presented by Imagine U

Main Library · Evanston · Ages 5–12

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Toman · Chicago · Ages 5–13

Seed Library Volunteer Day

Humboldt Park · Chicago · Ages 5–13

A Quilt is a Poem That We Say Again: Opening Reception

Harold Washington Library Center · Chicago · Ages 5–13

Clothing Swap

Logan Square · Chicago · Ages 5–13

Costumed Scavenger Hunt Walk

Trailside Museum of Natural History · River Forest · Ages 5–12

Wear your costume while walking through our autumn woods while finding hidden (nut-free) treats.

Film Screening: Casper (1995)

Scottsdale · Chicago · Ages 5–13

Art Studio: Kandinsky Fall Trees

Central Library - Craft Room · Schaumburg · Ages 5–12

Grades 1-3 Grades 1-3 Create a colorful fall tree inspired by the art of Wassily Kandinsky!

Black Willow Brass Quintet featuring Halloween Themes

Downers Grove Public Library - Meeting Room Both (Max Capacity 100) · Downers Grove · All ages

With partner DG Music Club Celebrate Halloween and stop by for a family friend concert!

Crochet Corner

Elk Grove Village Public Library · Elk Grove Village · Ages 5–13

Drop in to the Sunday Crochet Corner where you can work on personal projects with your own supplies, or work with provided yarn and hooks.

Family Film Screening: Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025)

West Lawn · Chicago · Ages 5–13

Family Film Screening: The Addams Family (2019)

Back of the Yards · Chicago · Ages 5–13

Film Screening: The Addams Family 2 (2021)

Pullman · Chicago · Ages 5–13

The Artist's Studio at the Library

Budlong Woods · Chicago · Ages 5–13

Share the Trails: Cycling Pit Stop

LaBagh Woods · Chicago · Ages 3–12

Get your helmet fit, tires inflated, bike checked and learn about trail safety.

What’s On The Menu?

River Trail Nature Center · Northbrook · Ages 3–12

Join us at feeding time to learn about our outdoor ambassador animals and their habits.

Get ready for Halloween!

Elk Grove Village Public Library · Elk Grove Village · All ages

Children of all ages Join our not-so-spooky Halloween search...Happy Hunting!

Word of the Week

Elk Grove Village Public Library · Elk Grove Village · Ages 5–13

Become a dictionary detective with our new Word of the Week challenge!