Free days at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Starting Jan. 2 and extending through Feb. 27, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is offering free general admission for guests on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays!
Location: Brookfield
Wonder Works Winter Break Performance Series
Start the year with art and movement with Wonder Works Performance Series, where your kiddos can learn about three different styles of dance: salsa, inclusive contemporary and tap! The three daily performances are included with the purchase of general admission museum tickets.
Location: Oak Park
Family Scavenger Hunt and Campfire
Head to Trailside Museum for an afternoon of outdoor winter family fun on a self-guided scavenger hunt for signs of animals then cozy up around the campfire with some yummy snacks.
Location: River Forest
Riverside Sesquicentennial Opening Ceremony & Reception
The Village of Riverside's Sesquicentennial Opening Ceremony is Jan. 15! Join in on this momentous occasion, which will include the lighting of the Riverside Historic Water Tower with a special edition 150th anniversary logo, live music played by the Riverside-Brookfield High School marching band, luminaria and plenty of hot chocolate. Keep the fun going after the lighting at the reception in the Riverside Public Library, where there will be a sesquicentennial-themed poetry reading and light desserts and refreshments.
Location: Riverside
Bird Painting Workshop Step-by-Step
Register now with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to sketch and paint a 9×12 canvas of a Cooper’s hawk, one of the avian world's most skillful fliers. This fun art endeavor is open to artists of all skill levels ages 14 and up. Materials provided.
Location: River Forest
Mother-Son Night Out
Calling all mothers and sons! You are invited to a fun night of ice skating at the Franklin Park Ice Arena. This super fun event includes pizza and lemonade, skate rental, music, a photo with mom and a special treat. Register early; space is limited.
Location: Franklin Park
My Doll & Me Skate
Join the Park District of Oak Park for a delightful day at the rink, where you can bring your doll or stuffed animal along for a skate! Enjoy arts and crafts activities and on-ice events designed for all ages. Each participant will receive a raffle ticket to win a range of prizes, including a rink and pool combo pass and the 2025 American Girl Doll of the Year! The first 100 attendees also get a swag bag.
Location: Oak Park
Soup & Bread
Get a bowl of hot, delicious soup and listen to some great music at Robert's Westside. The Forest Park favorite hosts its Soup & Bread event on the third Tuesday of each month with the proceeds benefiting local nonprofits that work to eradicate food insecurity.
Location: Forest Park
Winter Seed Sale
Shop for your seed sowing needs at the Oak Park Conservatory through the winter season. Find rare seeds, early vegetable seeds and flower seeds, as well as supplies for growing and cultivating your own seeds! Sale lasts through early spring.
Location: Oak Park
Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake
Xīnnián hǎo! Good new year! Join the Park District of Oak Park for a celebration of Lunar New Year and the year's featured animal: the Snake. Explore tales of history, mythology, the elements and more through art and games in the beautiful Austin Gardens.
Location: Oak Park
Lunar New Year: Cooking and Dinner
Explore culture through cooking with chef Tara Humphrey of the Global Peel in celebration of Lunar New Year! On the menu is noodles for longevity and a whole steamed fish to bring abundance, as well as other lucky foods will including dumpling and rolled rice balls all prepared by you in the Cheney Mansion kitchen! Ages 21+
Location: Oak Park
Bite Nite
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of culinary delights at Bite Nite, where the best of Oak Park and River Forest’s vibrant dining scene comes together in one incredible night!
Bite Nite showcases the area’s top restaurants, chefs and mixologists, offering you a chance to indulge in signature dishes, creative cocktails and delightful desserts—all in one festive setting.
Location: Oak Park
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Family Bingo Night
Grab the family and get out of the house for some bingo fun, courtesy of the Park District of LaGrange!
Location: La Grange