Chicago parents and caregivers can find dozens of free things to do with kids across the city this January, including museum days, winter festivals, skating and animal exhibits that make exploring Chicago in winter affordable and fun.
North Park Village Nature Center
9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 2026
Wooded trails, wetlands and interactive exhibits create a peaceful nature escape on the city’s Northwest Side. Discovery spaces invite curiosity and exploration throughout the center.
- Address: 5801 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Registration: No registration required
- Accessibility: The facility is listed as accessible and includes indoor exhibits and outdoor trails. Trail surfaces vary, and families may want to plan ahead based on mobility needs.
LEGO Store
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, 2026
Creative building stations let visitors design and play with LEGO bricks at their own pace. It’s an easy stop for hands-on fun without a structured program.
- Address: 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Cost: Free to play; purchases optional
- Registration: No registration required
- Parking: Parking is available at Water Tower Place for a fee
- Accessibility: The store is located inside a mall with elevators and accessible entrances. Strollers are welcome.
HelloBaby
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, 2026
Open play, music and story times shape this welcoming space designed for caregivers and young children. The focus stays on unstructured play and simple, engaging activities.
- Address: 1201 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago
- Age fit: Babies and toddlers with caregivers
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Registration: No registration required for open play; some programs require advance registration
- Accessibility: The space is stroller-friendly and designed for young children and caregivers. Families with specific accessibility needs may want to contact HelloBaby ahead of their visit.
PLAY at Yorktown Center
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 2026
Movement and imagination drive this interactive play space, which blends art, technology and physical activity. It’s a lively option for kids who like to stay active.
- Address: 203 Yorktown Center, Lombard
- Age fit: Toddlers through elementary-age kids
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Registration: No registration required
- Parking: Free mall parking
- Accessibility: The mall and play area are accessible, with nearby family restrooms, nursing stations and stroller rentals available.
Thomas Hughes Children’s Library
9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, 2026
Play-based learning areas, books and regular story times define this bright children’s library. The space encourages exploration alongside traditional reading and learning.
- Address: 400 S. State St., Chicago
- Age fit: Babies through tweens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Registration: No registration required for general visits; some programs may require sign-up
- Accessibility: Located on the second floor with elevator access. The space is stroller-friendly and includes accessible restrooms nearby.
Museum of Contemporary Art
5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, 2026
Contemporary exhibitions rotate through the MCA, offering thought-provoking art and installations. Evening hours make it a good fit for visitors who prefer a quieter museum experience.
- Address: 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
- Age fit: All ages; best for older kids and teens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Cost: Free for Illinois residents from 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays
- Registration: Advance online tickets are encouraged
- Parking: Paid on-site parking is available
- Accessibility: The museum offers accessibility resources. Families with specific needs may want to review details ahead of their visit.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Times vary daily, 2026
Animals, gardens and seasonal experiences fill this longtime Chicago favorite. A stroll through the zoo offers a mix of wildlife viewing and outdoor exploration in the heart of the city.
- Address: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor with some indoor exhibits
- Registration: No registration required
- Accessibility: The zoo offers accessibility resources and paved paths throughout. Families with specific needs may want to review details ahead of their visit.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 5-Feb. 28, 2026
Select winter dates offer a chance to explore animal exhibits across the zoo grounds at no cost. It’s a seasonal opportunity to see wildlife during the quieter months.
- Address: 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Mostly outdoor
- Cost: Free general admission on select dates; parking and attractions cost extra
- Registration: No registration required
- Parking: Paid parking is required on free admission days.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays, 2026
Hands-on exhibits and the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven call for a visit to this nature-focused museum. Butterfly releases often add a memorable highlight in the afternoon.
- Address: 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Cost: Pay-what-you-can on Thursdays
- Registration: No registration required
The Field Museum
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 31, 2025-March 25, 2026
Iconic exhibits spotlight dinosaurs, ancient civilizations and natural history during free midweek access. It’s a reliable option for museum lovers looking to explore at a slower pace.
- Address: 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Cost: Free for Illinois residents with proof of residency
- Registration: Advance online reservations are strongly recommended; same-day tickets may be available onsite
- Accessibility: The museum offers accessibility resources and is stroller-friendly. Families with specific needs may want to review details ahead of their visit.
Go ice skating in Millennium Park
Times vary; now through early February 2026
Chicago’s most famous ice rink offers skating with skyline views and reflections off Cloud Gate. It’s a classic winter experience that feels especially festive in the colder months.
- Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Cost: Free admission; skate rental available for a fee
- Registration: Advance online reservations required
Chicago Cultural Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 2026
This landmark building invites visitors to explore rotating art exhibitions, cultural programming and open gallery spaces. Its downtown location makes it an easy stop while exploring nearby attractions.
- Address: 78 E. Washington St., Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Registration: No registration required
- Parking: Paid parking garages are available nearby, including Grant Park and Millennium Park garages.
- Accessibility: The building offers accessibility resources and is stroller-friendly. Exhibitions close 15 minutes before closing, and the center is closed on holidays.
Shedd Aquarium
Times vary; select dates Jan. 6-June 30, 2026
Marine life takes the spotlight with full access to exhibits and seasonal experiences like Stingray Touch. Free admission days tend to be popular, so planning ahead is key.
- Address: 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Cost: Free for Illinois residents with valid ID; optional experiences cost extra
- Registration: Advance reservations are strongly recommended; free walk-up reservations are limited and subject to availability
Adler Planetarium
Times vary; select dates Jan. 7-April 29, 2026
Space-themed exploration takes center stage with interactive exhibits and hands-on learning throughout the museum. Discounted sky shows are also available for those looking to add to the experience.
- Address: 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Cost: Free for Illinois residents on select dates with proof of residency
- Registration: Advance online ticket reservations are required
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Free Neighborhood Tour
Times vary; Jan. 22-Feb. 1, 2026
Short, live puppet performances travel to neighborhood venues across the city during this touring festival. Expect imaginative storytelling, music and plenty of audience participation.
- Address: 3611 W. Cermak Road, Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Registration: No tickets required; first-come, first-served
Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
Winter fun takes over Northerly Island Park with husky sled dog demonstrations, nature play stations and hands-on crafts. A bonfire and hot cocoa add a cozy touch to this seasonal celebration.
- Address: 1521 S. Linn White Dr., Chicago
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor activities
- Accessibility: The park includes paved paths but families should plan for winter conditions.
Family Fun Fest
1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026
An afternoon of winter play, music and art fills this open house event. A Pocket Circus performance adds an extra dose of entertainment midway through the program.
- Address: 400 S. State St., Chicago
- Age fit: Babies through tweens
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Registration: No registration required. Accessibility accommodations must be requested at least 14 business days in advance.
- Accessibility: Sign language interpretation and other accommodations are available by request with advance notice. Event takes place on the second floor of the children’s library.
Trailside Museum of Natural History
9 a.m.-4 p.m. November-February, 2026
Native animals, wooded trails and local wildlife exhibits come together at this nature museum in Thatcher Woods. The setting encourages a slower, more relaxed visit.
- Address: 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Both indoor and outdoor
- Registration: No registration required
- Parking: Free on-site parking lot
- Accessibility: Accessible indoor restrooms and paved areas are available. All-terrain wheelchairs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Some trails are unpaved and may be impacted by seasonal conditions.
