Latest blog posts
- Planning a trip to Walt Disney World for kids with allergies | Healthy Jasmine
- Why being a dad is great but Father's Day is terrible | White Dad Problems
- Blackhawks Stanley Cup fever for the whole family | Pin It!
- A suburbanite rite of passage: Our first garage sale | Peanut Butter in my Hair
- See all recent blog posts
Featured blog
Failing With Gusto
One Chicago mom's attempt to keep an accurate log so her kids will have something helpful to show the therapists.
Parenting news & advice
Reader community
About Chicago Parent
Chicago Parent is distributed free every month in the six-county area. Enter your ZIP code to find the nearest pick-up spot.
Win with CP!
Win tickets to Monsters University
They're back! Ever wonder what happened to Sully and Mike before Boo invaded their world? This new Pixar film gets into the Monsters Inc. backstory with a tale of how the two friends met as Scare Majors at college. And if it's anything like the first film, mom and dad will love it as much as the kids! One Chicago Parent reader will win a family five-pack to the Classic Cinemas of their choice.
Featured Video
Brookfield Zoo's Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit brings the prehistoric to life
New exhibit uses interactive elements to help kids understand the links between prehistoric creatures and animals of today.
Watch the video! | See more videos
Be the first to know!
Events, coupons and contests by email
Things to do in Chicago this Columbus Day
Print
For many of us, Columbus Day means a day off from school to celebrate the "discovery" of America. Whether you head into downtown Chicago for the annual parade, take it as an opportunity to visit our world-class museums or get outside to enjoy the changing colors, we have something for everyone to discover this Columbus Day.
Columbus Day ParadeFREE
Columbus Day Parade | ChicagoOctober 8 (Monday) , 12:30 p.m.
The Columbus Day parade celebrates Christopher Columbus' historic voyage to America and Italian-American culture.
School's Out - Outdoor Adventure Day
Wheaton Park District, Northside Park Boy Scout Cabin | WheatonOctober 8, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Paddle the lagoon by canoe, navigate Northside Park with a GPS unit, and experience the thrill of participating in team building activities.
Super Sand Art
Cantigny Park | WheatonOctober 8, 10 a.m.
Kids enjoy part of their day off from school making some beautiful sand art pieces to take home.
School's Out - Wild Adventure
Lincoln Marsh Natural Area | WheatonOctober 8, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Go on a scavenger hunt, explore the forest, play games and more. Bring a snack and a lunch and spend the day adventuring.
CRE8 Kids Columbus Day Eco Camp
CRE8 Workshop | DeerfieldOctober 8, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Make some cool recycled art projects. All materials included. Different projects for the morning and afternoon sessions: T-shirt bag and magazine bowl (9:30 a.m.-noon), water bottle carrier and reusable lunch bag(1-3:30 p.m.). Register online at www.cre8workshop.com
Columbus Day Play
Pump It Up Chicago | ChicagoOctober 8, 9-10:30 a.m. and 12:15-1:45 p.m.
Come out to play on a day off school. Tickets available
online.
Illinois Resident Discount Days FREE
John G. Shedd Aquarium | ChicagoJune 3 - June 25 (Monday,Tuesday) , Mondays and Tuesdays
Illinois residents enjoy free general admission and discounted rates for Wild Reef, Polar Play Zone and Abbott Oceanarium.
Columbus Day Special
Rink Side Ice Arena & Family Entertainment Center | GurneeOctober 8
Ice skate, play laser tag, mini golf and video games.
Family Nature Walk on Columbus DayFREE
Trailside Museum of Natural History | River ForestOctober 8, 1-2:15 p.m.
Enjoy a guided woodland hike and learn about the changes that take place in nature during the autumn season.
More picks
Stay in touch
Be the first to know!
Events, coupons and contests by email
