Chicago, IL family weekend: Friday, December 4 – Sunday, December 6

Goodnight Moon at Griffin MSI

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Immersive Great Green Room exhibit based on the classic book, with interactive projections and the science of sleep.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Included with general admission
• Indoors

Opens Nov 5, 2026.

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

More than 50 trees and displays celebrating holiday traditions from around the world.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Included with general admission
• Indoors

Opening day Sat Nov 7 includes the Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival.

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

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden — Glencoe · Cook Co. · Suburbs

A 1.3-mile illuminated trail of light displays and music through the Garden after dark.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Timed tickets; prices vary by date and time

Opening weekend. Select dates through Jan 3; Family Nights Dec 9 and 16. Non-member parking extra.

Illumination at The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum — Lisle · DuPage Co. · Suburbs

Holiday light show on a one-mile paved path, with four new installations and the new Pine Whistle Railroad model-train add-on.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Timed tickets; prices vary by date

Opens Sat Nov 14. Pine Whistle Railroad is an add-on ticket.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Daley Plaza — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

German-style outdoor holiday market with food, gifts and mulled drinks.

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

Fri–Sat 11am–9pm; Sun–Thu 11am–8pm.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Chicago's classic holiday light show at the zoo.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Fixed-date tickets $7–12 ahead ($20 day-of); free on Mondays except Dec 21 and 28

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Brookfield · Cook Co. · Suburbs

Zoo-wide holiday lights, Santa and festive activities.

• Ages 0-2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• 11+
• Big outing
• Paid: Tickets from $29.95; free with membership

Owl Prowl

Camp Reinberg — Cook Co. · Suburbs

Learn about our local owls and hear who’s hooting.

• Ages 6-10
• Free

Winter Bonfire

Camp Dan Beard — Cook Co. · Suburbs

Celebrate the start of winter with a giant bonfire.

• Ages 6-10
• Free

Chris White Jazz Trio Tribute to A Charlie Brown Christmas

Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago · Cook Co. · Chicago

Three shows at 3:30–4:30 p.m., 6–7 p.m., 7:30–8:30 p.m.

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

Meet Our Ambassador Animals

Crabtree Nature Center — Cook Co. · Suburbs

Meet the animals that call Crabtree home.

• Free

What’s On The Menu?

River Trail Nature Center — Cook Co. · Suburbs

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

• Free