Chicago weekend events for preschool (3–5)

140 events tagged for preschool (3–5) across the next 4 weekends. Events whose source doesn't list ages aren't included here; see the full list.

Weekend of Oct 16–18

Big outings

Fri, Oct 16 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sat, Oct 17

Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Free all-ages Halloween event with trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, kid-friendly entertainment and free carousel rides.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Free

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sat, Oct 17 · 10am–2pm

BooPalooza and BarkPalooza at Wicker Park

Wicker Park — Chicago (Wicker Park) · Cook Co. · Chicago

Halloween extravaganza with free pumpkins, live entertainment, costume parades and a haunted maze, plus a dog costume parade.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Free

Details at Chicago Park District ↗

Sat, Oct 17 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sun, Oct 18 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Oct 17 – Oct 25

Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Brookfield · Cook Co. · Suburbs

Month-long Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, costume parades, character meets and Halloween inflatables on weekends.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Paid: Included with zoo admission; free for members

Runs Oct 3–25. Weekends 10am–6pm with extra entertainment.

Details at Brookfield Zoo Chicago ↗

Library storytimes & programs (34, free)

From Chicago Public Library branches. Some need registration; check the library page.

Friday, Oct 16

9:30amMultilingual Playgroup / 多语言游戏小活动 · Chinatown Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amBook Builders · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amFilm Screening: Encanto (2021) · Brainerd Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

10amOne Story Time, One Chicago · North Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amStay and Play · Canaryville Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amFamily Story Time · Rogers Park Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amOne Story Time, One Chicago · Little Italy Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amOpen Play Time · West Loop Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amOpen Play Time · North Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amStory Time · Logan Square Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11amMusic and Movement Story Time with Ms. My · Uptown Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11:30amStory Time · Logan Square Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

3pmLEGO® Club · Toman Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

3:30pmPuppet Story Time with Rocio "Chio" Cabrera · Mayfair Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

Saturday, Oct 17

9:15amFamily Field Trip to Brookfield Zoo · Budlong Woods Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

9:30amOne Story Time, One Chicago · Daley, Richard J.-Bridgeport Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

9:30amTot Play Time · Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amCommon Pantry Food Collection Drive · Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

10amGrab and Go Kits: Q-Tip Skeleton Craft · Canaryville Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

10amSaturday Come, Stay, Play / Ven, quédate, juega el sábado · North Pulaski Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amSaturday Morning Snuggles: Storytime at Austin · Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amArt in the Library: Families Together · Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

10:30amFall Family Music Concert · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

10:30amOne Story Time, One Chicago · Obama Presidential Center Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

11amOne Story Time, One Chicago · Dunning Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11amSaturday Open Play · King Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

11amSaturday Story Time · Legler Regional Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

1:30pmPop Up Leaf Dot Art · Blackstone Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

2pmBilingual Story Time · Back of the Yards Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

2pmReading Hour with Cipriani’s Pizza · Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2:30pmArtful Afternoon · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

Sunday, Oct 18

1pmCelebrating Polish Folktales with Master Storyteller Megan Wells · Oriole Park Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

2pmFamily Film Screening: Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo (2020) · West Lawn Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

3pmDevelopmental Playgroup with The Little Duck Collective · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 3-5 · Free

Weekend of Oct 23–25

Big outings

Fri, Oct 23 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sat, Oct 24 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sun, Oct 25 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Oct 17 – Oct 25

Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Brookfield · Cook Co. · Suburbs

Month-long Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, costume parades, character meets and Halloween inflatables on weekends.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Paid: Included with zoo admission; free for members

Runs Oct 3–25. Weekends 10am–6pm with extra entertainment.

Details at Brookfield Zoo Chicago ↗

Museums, gardens & more

Sun, Oct 25 · 12pm–2pm

Chicago Voyagers’ Fall Jamboree

Caldwell Woods Wellness Center — Cook Co. · Suburbs

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

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Free

Details at Forest Preserves of Cook County ↗

Sun, Oct 25 · 12pm–4pm

Trunk or Treat

Eggers Grove — Cook Co. · Suburbs

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

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Free

Details at Forest Preserves of Cook County ↗

Library storytimes & programs (27, free)

From Chicago Public Library branches. Some need registration; check the library page.

Friday, Oct 23

10amBook Builders · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amConstruction Crew Kids · Canaryville Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

10amFall Story Time · North Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amFamily Fun with Musical Guest Laura Doherty · Lincoln Belmont Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

10:30amFamily Story Time · Rogers Park Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amOpen Play Time · North Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amOpen Play Time · West Loop Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amStory Time · Logan Square Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11amTiny Tots Story Time · Chicago Lawn Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11:30amStory Time · Logan Square Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

3pmLEGO® Club · Toman Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

Saturday, Oct 24

9:30amTot Play Time · Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amFamily Story Time · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amGrab and Go Kits: Chenille Stick Pumpkin Craft · Canaryville Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

10amSaturday Morning Snuggles: Storytime at Austin · Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amSaturday Stories and Crafts · Bezazian Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amArt in the Library: Families Together · Garfield Ridge Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

11amMadhatters Story Time · Douglass Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

11amOpen Play · South Shore Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11amSaturday Story Time · Legler Regional Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

11amWTTW Kids Learn & Play · Dunning Library, Chicago 3-5 · Free

1pm6th Annual Spooktacular Saturday · Woodson Regional Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2pmBilingual Story Time · Back of the Yards Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

2pmLEGO® Club · Canaryville Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

3pmFamily Birthday Story Time Celebration with Ms. My · Uptown Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

Sunday, Oct 25

2pmKidCinema: Scared Shrekless · North Pulaski Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

3pmParachute Play · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

Weekend of Oct 30–Nov 1

Big outings

Fri, Oct 30 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sat, Oct 31 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sun, Nov 1 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Library storytimes & programs (37, free)

From Chicago Public Library branches. Some need registration; check the library page.

Friday, Oct 30

9:30amMultilingual Playgroup / 多语言游戏小活动 · Chinatown Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amBook Builders · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amFall Story Time · North Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amStay and Play · Canaryville Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amFall Preschool Story Time · Little Italy Library, Chicago 3-5 · Free

10:30amFamily Story Time · Rogers Park Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amHalloween Story Time Party · Rogers Park Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amOpen Play Time · West Loop Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amOpen Play Time · North Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amStory Time · Logan Square Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11:30amStory Time · Logan Square Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

3pmLEGO® Club · Toman Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

Saturday, Oct 31

10amFamily Story Time · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amGrab and Go Kits: Ghost Tree Scene Craft · Canaryville Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

10amSaturday Morning Snuggles: Storytime at Austin · Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amWTTW Kids Learn & Play · Albany Park Library, Chicago 3-5 · Free

10:30amCourtyard Tales: Preschool Story Time · Obama Presidential Center Library, Chicago 3-5 · Free

10:30amHalloween Story Time · Little Italy Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amLittle Boo Bash · Edgebrook Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11amHalloween Glow Party · Greater Grand Crossing Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

11amHalloween Photoshoot and DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags · North Pulaski Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

11amHaunted Library: Saturday Story Time · Legler Regional Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

11amMad Hatters Story Time · Albany Park Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

11amOpen Play Time · Chicago Bee Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11amSpooktacular Craft and Game Day · Toman Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

12pmHalloween Bash · Altgeld Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

12pmMake and Take Crafternoon: Halloween Celebration · South Chicago Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

1pmHalloween Monster Bash · Pullman Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2pmFilm Screening: Hocus Pocus (1993) · Chicago Bee Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

2pmHalloween Fun · Budlong Woods Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2:30pmArtful Afternoon · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

3pmNot‑So‑Scary Family Halloween Stories, Costumes and Glow Fun with Ms. My · Uptown Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

3:30pmHalloween Parade · Roden Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

Sunday, Nov 1

1:30pmFilm Screening: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026) · King Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

2pmFamily Flicks: Casper (1995) · Oriole Park Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

3pmFamily Music and Movement Story Time with Ms. My · Uptown Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

3pmParachute Play · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

Weekend of Nov 6–8

Big outings

Fri, Nov 6 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sat, Nov 7 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Sun, Nov 8 · 10am–5pm

Fall Fest

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Fridays–Sundays

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Big outing
Cost not listed

Details at Lincoln Park Zoo ↗

Museums, gardens & more

Sat, Nov 7 · 8am

Fishing Derby

Horsetail Lake — Cook Co. · Suburbs

Join the Village of Palos Park and the Forest Preserves for a fun family day of fishing.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Free

Details at Forest Preserves of Cook County ↗

Sun, Nov 8 · 11am

GPS Scavenger Hunt

River Trail Nature Center — Cook Co. · Suburbs

Learn about and participate in a technology inspired scavenger hunt.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Free

Details at Forest Preserves of Cook County ↗

Sun, Nov 8 · 12:30pm

GPS Scavenger Hunt

River Trail Nature Center — Cook Co. · Suburbs

Learn about and participate in a technology inspired scavenger hunt.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Free

Details at Forest Preserves of Cook County ↗

Sun, Nov 8 · 2pm

GPS Scavenger Hunt

River Trail Nature Center — Cook Co. · Suburbs

Learn about and participate in a technology inspired scavenger hunt.

Ages 0-2
Ages 3-5
Ages 6-10
11+
Free

Details at Forest Preserves of Cook County ↗

Library storytimes & programs (21, free)

From Chicago Public Library branches. Some need registration; check the library page.

Friday, Nov 6

10amBook Builders · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amFamily Story Time · Rogers Park Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amLittle Learners Story Time · McKinley Park Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amOpen Play Time · West Loop Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10:30amStory Time · Logan Square Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11amTiny Tots Story Time · Chicago Lawn Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

11:30amStory Time · Logan Square Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

3pmLEGO® Club · Toman Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

Saturday, Nov 7

10amFamily Story Time · Merlo Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amFamily Story Time · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amField Adventures · West Lawn Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

10amMilk and Cookies Book Club: See the Cat · West Loop Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

10amSaturday Morning Snuggles: Storytime at Austin · Austin Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

10amWTTW Kids Learn & Play · Albany Park Library, Chicago 3-5 · Free

11amMad Hatters Story Time · Rogers Park Library, Chicago 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

11amSaturday Story Time · Legler Regional Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

1pmFilm Screening: Inside Out 2 (2024) · Chinatown Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · 11+ · Free

1:30pmDía de los muertos Story Time with the Mexican Consulate · Lozano Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

2pmDance Story Time with Tutu School Ballet · Lincoln Park Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · 6-10 · Free

3:30pmSaturday Story Time · Roden Library, Chicago 0-2 · 3-5 · Free

Sunday, Nov 8

3pmDevelopmental Playgroup with The Little Duck Collective · Harold Washington Library Center, Chicago 3-5 · Free