Explore the Chicago and suburbs with your little one! You’ll be surprised by how much there’s to do from music and fitness classes to special playtimes. Check out the full list below to start planning your November outings. Please make sure to check the event website to see if registration is required!
Got an upcoming baby or toddler event? Email us the event details at [email protected] or submit the event online.
Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites
When: Ongoing
Where: Kohl Children's Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
Cost: Free with museum admission
“Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites” allows kids to immerse themselves in the life-sized worlds of award-winning children’s books. Children can build literacy skills through imaginative, interactive experiences and dramatic play with a focus on vocabulary, print motivation and awareness, narrative skills, letter knowledge and phonological awareness.
Little Playtimes
When: Ongoing (every Tuesday); 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Legoland Discovery Center, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg
Cost: $10 in advance; $12 at door; free kids 2 and under
Legoland Discovery Center Chicago opens early on the second floor exclusively for kids 5 and under and their parents with unique and engaging programs.
Critter Connection
When: Ongoing
Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
Cost: Free with admission
More than 50 animal species reside in the Look-in Lab. Get up-close and hands-on with one of those critters and learn about our animal friends that live at the Nature Museum.
Shadow Puppet Story Time
When: Ongoing (Mondays and Fridays), 11:30 a.m.
Where: Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park
Cost: Free with museum admission
An exciting adventure into story and legend with Bill, the museum's story time expert, and his trusty sidekick who puts on a amazingly shadowy performance.
Nature Art, Toddlers
When: Nov. 7 and 13; 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Where: The Morton Arboretum
Cost: $22
Children ages 18-35 months can use nature as their canvas in this hands-on, sensory-based program. There will be a hike, children will gather leaves and use their imaginations to create unique pieces of art in the garden.
Open Play for Children with Special Needs
When: Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Where: Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park
Cost: $5 per person
Wonder Works is opening early the second Thursday of every month for kids up to 8 children with special needs. They are then welcome to stay when the museum opens to the public at 10 a.m.
Stories in the Woods
When: Nov. 8
Where: Heller Nature Center 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
Cost: $8 pair; $3 additional child
Kids 6 and under, with adult, engage in a hands-on nature inspired activity, enjoy a story and take a short hike with a naturalist.
Night Owls: Owls
When: Nov. 8
Where: Round Lake Area Park District - Robert W. Rolek Community Center, 814 Hart Road, Round Lake
Cost: $10 resident; $12 non-resident
Bring your little night owls out to the Children's Neighborhood Museum for an evening of fabulous feather fun in honor of owls. Recommended for ages 2-6.
Magical Ice Cream Social
When: Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville, Illinois
Cost: $17, $11 resident
Festivities are hosted by a cool princess and her snowman. Kids 1-6, with adult, enjoy a truly memorable magical performance, ice cream sundaes and crafts.
Dino Works!
When: Nov. 10-11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Wonder Works 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Cost: Free with museum admission
Kids can play with toy dinosaurs, explore real dinosaur fossils, collect fossilized teeth, do DInosaur Art Work, find dinosaurs hidden throughout the museum and more.
Baby & Me Yoga
When: Nov. 14, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: Niles-Maine District Library 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles
Cost: Free
Connect with your baby through breathing and explore gentle yoga postures that aim to build strength, increase flexibility and melt away tension. Baby can play on the mat next to you or participate in the practice with you. No prior yoga experience required. Come to class with a yoga mat or towel, a blanket, some toys for your kiddo (optional) and an open heart. For adults and babies ages 4 weeks to 12 months. No registration required.
Juicebox
When: Nov. 16, 17 and 30; 11-11:45 a.m.
Where: Chicago Cultural Center
Cost: Free
A music and performance series for the stroller set parents and their pre-kindergarten children. Performances are on alternate Fridays. Parents and young children can enjoy Chicago's best music, dance and theater in a kid-friendly setting. Kids can sit on the floor, walk around, meet the artists and sometimes play with instruments and puppets. Parents are welcome to bring snacks and juice boxes.
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