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Groundhog Day, Winter Fests, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

It's the closing weekend of Chicago International Puppet Theatre. Photo by Richard Termine.
It's the closing weekend of Chicago International Puppet Theatre. Photo by Richard Termine.
1/28/26 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

Groundhog Day is arriving in Chicago, and we're all really hoping he forecasts an early spring after this past week! Celebrate Groundhog Day with events in Woodstock, where the iconic '90s movie was filmed, or Skokie. If you're willing to brave the temperatures that are a full 20 degrees warmer than last weekend, check out cold-weather themed events in downtown Downers Grove, Lakeview, and Lyman Woods Forest Preserve. 

It's a new month, and we've got a new list of the best things to do in February in Chicago with your kids! If you're in the suburbs and don't want to drive to the city these winter weekends, check out our list of things to do in Naperville on cold and rainy days.

 And want to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Don’t forget to look for the deals link at the top of the calendar to filter for special offers and the free filter to see only free activities!

More Things To Do in Chicago This Week With Kids

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Celebrate Groundhog Day in the same town where the movie was filmed. Photo courtesy of Illinois Farmer Bureau.
Celebrate Groundhog Day in the same town where the movie was filmed. Photo courtesy of Illinois Farmer Bureau.

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Chicago With Kids

Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile

South Loop
Opens Thursday, January 29
  The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle of Chicago in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees...Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute. Snap up your tickets today for this wickedly funny musical adventure, perfect for the whole family! READ MORE

Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Free Neighborhood Tour

Various Chicago Neighborhoods- FREE
Closes Sunday, February 1
The Chicago International Puppet Theater’s Festival Neighborhood Tour presents free family-friendly puppet shows outside a different Chicago theater venue each day. The 35-minute performances give families who might not usually get a chance to see puppetry enjoy the show. This year's presentations include "Stone by Stone," performed by Tian Gombau and "Happy Birthday, Mon Ami" performed by Alex Olmsted. READ MORE

Groundhog Days in Woodstock

Woodstock
Thursday, January 29- Monday, February 2
The Chicago area's own Woodstock Willie will predict whether we will have an early spring or six more weeks of winter at Woodstock Square. Families can tour the grounds where the classic movie was filmed and participate in a Groundhog Day bags tourney. READ MORE

Ice Festival Downtown Downers Grove

Downers Grove
Friday, January 30-Sunday, February 1
Bundle up and head to Downtown Downers Grove for the annual Ice Festival! Enjoy more than 60 stunning ice sculptures displayed throughout the downtown, sponsored by local businesses. Watch live carving demonstrations on Friday from 5:30-7:30pm at the corner of Main Street and Curtiss Street, and then on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm at the Main Street Train Station. READ MORE

After Hours Mini Golf at Berwyn Public Library

Berwyn- Free
Friday, January 30
Get out of the house and practice your putting at this after-hours event at Berwyn Public Library. The course will consist of three holes created on each floor of the library. Each participant receives a new book. READ MORE

Schaumburg Park District Family Game Night

Schaumburg
Friday, January 30
Gather your family for an evening of fun and games! Enjoy your favorite board games along with delicious pizza and snacks. READ MORE

Northwestern University’s 83rd Annual Dolphin Show Presents “Footloose”

Evanston
Friday, January 30- Saturday, January 31
America’s largest student-produced musical returns for its 83rd annual production with Footloose! Produced by Aiden Kaliner, Ryan Lien, and JingXi Yap and directed by Katherine Horton, this year’s Dolphin Show presents a bold new take on Footloose. When the young protagonist Ren moves to the small town of Bomont, he faces an oppressive reality—the town has outlawed dancing. The story follows Ren as he dares to be different, inspiring his friends and challenging the authority of minister Shaw Moore. Centering on themes of self-expression and change... READ MORE

Winter Wonderland: A Family Adventure

Downers Grove
Saturday, January 31
Bundle up and discover the hidden wonders of winter! Drop in anytime between 10:00am and 2:00pm to play winter games, make crafts and more! Outside, there will be a variety of activities: a self-guided hike, ice-carving, snowshoes (weather permitting) and imitation sleigh rides. Inside the Interpretive Center, we have animal meet & greets, shaved ice, arts & crafts, and of course special yummy treats. READ MORE

Once Upon a Symphony: The Ugly Duckling

Downtown
Saturday, January 31
A young duckling is teased for being different. After facing loneliness and other struggles, the duckling matures into a stunning swan, realizing true beauty comes from within. Explore this musical portrait of self-discovery, acceptance and inner strength. Once Upon a Symphony is designed to introduce children ages 3 to 5 to the world of classical music and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Ignite your child’s imagination with vivid storytelling and small ensemble performances, as well as sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre. READ MORE

Live Ice Sculpting in Lakeview

Lakeview
Saturday, January 31- Sunday, February 1
Enjoy a live ice sculpting activation in Lakeview to liven up your weekend. Watch Master Ice Carvers make winter magic happen as they sculpt a block of ice into a beautiful creation of the audience’s choosing! That’s right — bring your ideas, as the ice sculptor will ask the audience for suggestions of what to create. READ MORE

Addison Community Fine Arts Festival

Addison- FREE
Saturday, January 31
The Addison Community Fine Arts Festival is a community event designed to showcase the vibrant fine arts education in Addison! Performers at the event will include students from Lake Park Elementary, Stone School Musicians, Stone First Grade, Indian Trail Performing Arts Ensembles, and Beginning Performing Arts. In addition to live performances, there will be a district-wide display of visual art and media, as well as art submissions from Addison Trail students. READ MORE

Kidpalooza at North Suburban YMCA

Northbrook - Free
Sunday, February 1
Kidpalooza is a free family event at the North Suburban YMCA, designed to provide an afternoon of fun, creativity, and community for families of all backgrounds. This indoor event is the perfect way to get out of the house during the winter months and enjoy interactive activities, games, and entertainment in a welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere. READ MORE

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum — Family STEM Event Featuring Author Ashley Key

Lincoln Park
Sunday, February 1
Families are invited to a special northern-lights-themed STEM storytime, craft, movement activity, and live science demonstration with children’s author Ashley Key at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum of the Chicago Academy of Sciences in Chicago. This hands-on program blends science education, sensory learning, creativity, and movement-based exploration and is perfect for preschoolers, early elementary students, homeschool families, and young science enthusiasts. READ MORE

Groundhog Day Fireside

Skokie- Free
Sunday, February 1
Discover what Groundhog Day is all about when you meet our guest of honor, a five-foot tall groundhog! Learn what it means when the groundhog sees its shadow, hear the secrets of its amazing winter life, and step outdoors to visit its home. Dress warmly for the weather. Then make your own groundhog shadow puppet while sipping hot chocolate indoors. READ MORE

Kids Valentines Day Party at Park and Field

Logan Square
Sunday, February 1
Celebrate Valentine's Day with crafts and a magic show at Park & Field. Full food and drink menus will accompany a magic show from Cosmic Underground and a Valentines card crafting station. READ MORE
There are lots of inexpensive and fun indoor play opportunities around the city. Photo courtesy of the Skokie Exploratorium
There are lots of inexpensive and fun indoor play opportunities around the city. Photo courtesy of the Skokie Exploratorium

More Fun Things To Do in Chicago Right Now

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