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Best Things to Do with Kids in Chicagoland This February

Plan ahead! We've rounded up some of the best activities and events to do with kids in Chicago and suburbs this month.

By Kari Zaffarano
Photo credit: Feld Entertainment

When raising kids, you know life can get busy with school, sports practices, dance classes and other extracurricular activities. That’s why it’s sometimes helpful to plan ahead when searching for exciting events and attractions in Chicagoland. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with kids this month.

There are many happenings around Chicagoland in the month of February. Check out the Black History Month events and Valentine’s Day events along with other winter fun including sledding hills and outdoor ice skating rinks.

Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of kid-friendly events in Chicago and the suburbs. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar.

City

Photo credit: Chicago Park District

Storytime Adventure: Tracks in the Snow at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Feb. 1, 22, 2023

Toddlers ages 3-5 can join Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for an interactive Storytime Adventure. After reading Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee, head outside on an adventure. Dress for the weather. Registration required.

Black History Month Crafts at Gage Park Branch

Feb. 2, 2023

Ages 6 and up can celebrate Black History Month with crafts and a story. Create a quilt block for the branch’s freedom quilt that will be on display for the entire month of February. Also, create an Alma Thomas-inspired heart mosaic. Registration required.

Creativity Corner: Valentine’s Day Cards at McKinley Park Branch

Feb. 2, 2023

Ages 3 and up can get creative at McKinley Park Branch with guided crafts and open art activities.

Las Wavys at Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University

Feb. 2, 4-5, 7, 9, 11, 2023

See a performance about four students from the South Side of Chicago band that together to become Las Wavys, crimefighters and DJ Superheroes.

Sensory Friendly Fridays at the Insect Asylum

Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2023

Enjoy a sensory friendly day at The Insect Asylum with no music, no flashing or distracting lights and limited entry of 10 per group. 

Daddy Daughter Dance at Sheil (Bernard) Community Center Park

Feb. 4, 2023

Daddies and daughters can head to Sheil (Bernard) Community Center Park for an unforgettable night of dancing. Pre-registration required.

Quilling Fun: Valentine’s Day Cards at West Lawn Branch 

Feb. 4, 2023

Ages 10-13 can join the library for quilling with paper to make flowers and other things in time for Valentine’s Day. Registration required.

The Young People’s Theatre of Chicago Presents Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! at The Greenhouse Theater Center

Feb. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25, 26, 2023

See the Young People’s Theatre of Chicago’s premiere performance of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!”, adapted from the book by Mo Willems.

Valentine’s Day Craft at Scottsdale Branch

Feb. 4, 2023

Ages 6-13 can head to Scottsdale Branch to create a special Valentine for someone. The projects vary by degrees of difficulty.

Valentine’s Greeting Cards at Roden Branch

Feb. 4, 2023

Teens can create unique Valentine’s Day greeting cards for their family and friends with instructor Barbara Pisciotto. All supplies will be provided.

Family Storybook Yoga at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Feb. 5, 2023

Join Buddha Belly Kids Yoga for a storybook yoga class. Families will interact through moving, breathing and connecting while listening to a story. This class is designed for children ages 2-8. Advanced registration required.

Film Screening: Black Panther (2018) at Chinatown Branch 

Feb. 6, 2023

Join the library for a screening of Black Panther (2018). It’s the story of a superhero that defends Wakanda, a technologically advanced country in Africa. Rated PG-13.

Film Screening: The Princess and the Frog at Manning Branch

Feb. 6, 2023

Join the library for a screening of The Princess and the Frog, which features Disney’s first Black princess. Rated G.

Hearts a Plenty at Garfield Ridge Branch

Feb. 6, 2023

Ages 3-12 can drop by and make a valentine for someone special. Supplies are available in the children’s area. No registration required.

Pop-Up Music Class at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Feb. 6, 2023

Families with children ages 0-6 years old can enjoy a music class and then stay for ice cream, provided by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Kids who attend this event receive one free kid scoop with purchase of one adult scoop.

Valentine’s Day Crafts at Thurgood Marshall Branch

Feb. 6, 2023

Ages 6-13 can join Ms. A and Mrs. Lina for crafts, treats and fun for Valentine’s Day. Registration required.

YOUmedia Crafternoon: Valentine’s Day Cards at Harold Washington Library Center

Feb. 6, 2023

High School teens can create their own Valentine’s Day cards. Supplies and instructions will be provided. No registration required.

Valentine’s Day Celebration at Gage Park Branch

Feb. 7, 2023

Ages 3 and up can come out to Gage Park Branch to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the library with Valentine’s Day stories and activities. Registration required.

Valentine’s Day Stories and Craft at Clearing Branch

Feb. 7, 2023

Children of all ages can join the Clearing Branch for stories about Valentine’s Day and make a craft to take home. All materials are provided. Registration required.

Tiny Tots Yoga at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Feb. 8, 2023

Tiny Tots with Buddha Belly Kids Yoga brings yoga to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for ages 18 months to 4 years old. They will explore yoga through moving, stretching, posing and breathing. Advanced registration required; no drop-ins. Ticket includes access to all museum exhibits.

DIY Valentines at Lozano Branch

Feb. 9, 2023

Teens in grades 8-12 can drop into the Lozano Branch to make their own special valentine.

DIY Valentines at North Pulaski Branch

Feb. 9, 2023

Teens in grades 8-12 can drop into the North Pulaski Branch to make their own special valentine.

Paint and Sip: Martin Luther King, Jr. Portrait at West Chicago Avenue Branch

Feb. 9, 2023

Ages 6-13 can come out to the library to learn about civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. and paint a portrait of him. Light refreshments provided.

Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till at The DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center

Feb. 9-19, 2023

The production features an immersive reenactment of the actual courtroom proceedings that happened in Sumner, Mississippi, after Emmett Till was murdered.

Family Valentine Dance at Gompers (Samuel) Park

Feb. 10, 2023

Join Gompers (Samuel) Park for the annual Family Valentine’s Day Dance. It will have dancing, crafts, a DJ and photo opportunities. Food and beverages will be available to purchase. For all ages.

Hiking Tykes: Winter Wonderland at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Feb. 10, 28, 2023

Children ages 4-6 can join Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for a winter hike and use their senses to discover the wonders of winter. Dress for the weather. Registration required.

Sweetheart Valentines Dance at Eugene Field

Feb. 10, 2023

Bring your sweetheart to Eugene Field to dance the night away. Light refreshments will be served. For all ages.

Tots Valentine Party at Brainerd Park

Feb. 10, 2023

Ages 1-5 can enjoy some Valentine’s Day fun specifically for their age.

Valentine’s Day Dance at Lake Shore Park

Feb. 10, 2023

Bring the entire family to this Valentine’s Day Dance and enjoy dancing, treats and crafts. Also bring a camera to take photos at the photo booth. For all ages.

Drag Queen Story Time at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Feb. 11, 2023

Join Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for story time with friends from Kiki Queens. Hear some of their favorite stories, make valentines and more. Tickets include access to all museum exhibits.

Film Screening: The Princess and the Frog at Gage Park Branch

Feb. 11, 2023

Join the library for a screening of The Princess and the Frog, which features Disney’s first Black princess. Rated G.

Origami at Archer Heights Branch

Feb. 11, 2023

Teens can enjoy creating an origami heart at the Archer Heights Branch. Registration required.

Valen-Slime Time at West Lawn Branch

Feb. 11, 2023

Ages 6-13 can come out to West Lawn Branch to celebrate Valentine’s Day by experimenting and making valen-slime. Registration required.

Chicago Auto Show 2023 at McCormick Place

Feb. 11-20, 2023

Enjoy more than 1,000 domestic and imported vehicles, auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars.

Cocoa and Crafts at Lozano Branch

Feb. 12, 2023

Ages 3-13 can enjoy making Valentine’s Day crafts with their family while sipping on hot cocoa. Planned projects are potato print valentine’s and a wooden heart photo holder. No registration is required.

Film Screening: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997) at King Branch

Feb. 12, 2023

Stop by King Branch to see the showing of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997). The film features Brandy, Whitney Houston and more. Rated PG.

Hidden History: Build Like the Women of Hidden Figures at Woodson Regional Branch

Feb. 14, 21, 28, March 7, 2023

This four-week series explores the contributions of African American engineers, mathematicians and scientists through hands-on projects. For ages 7-12.

Make a Valentine Treat Bag at Jeffery Manor Branch

Feb. 14, 2023

Come out to Jeffery Manor Branch to create your own fabric Valentine treat bag. Supplies will be given for this make and take.

(No)Worry Hearts at Manning Branch

Feb. 14, 2023

Ages 5 and up can create handcrafted worry hearts, which are small enough to fit in your pocket. Registration required.

Valentine’s Day Arts & Crafts at Eugene Field

Feb. 14, 2023

Ages 3-5 can enjoy making Valentine’s Day crafts.

Valentine’s Day Candy Making at Thurgood Marshall Branch 

Feb. 14, 2023

Teens ages 12-18 can come out to Thurgood Marshall Branch to make their own Valentine’s Day candy.

Valentine Day Celebration for Teens! at Woodson Regional Branch

Feb. 14, 2023

Teens ages 13-19 can enjoy a Valentine’s Day celebration with food, fun and card making. No registration required.

Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt at Edgebrook Branch

Feb. 14, 2023

Ages 4-plus can stop by the reference desk at Edgebrook Branch to participate in the library’s scavenger hunt. Win a prize, while supplies last.

DIY Printing and Traditional West African Writing at Legler Regional Branch

Feb. 15-22, 2023

Teens can come to the library to learn how to make prints at home and explore printing using Nsibidi and Tifinagh writing systems found in West Africa.

Voices for Justice: When Blackness Was Golden by Pemon Rami at Harold Washington Library Center Branch

Feb. 15, 2023

Ages 13 and up can come out to the library to hear from Pemon Rami, author of his memoir “When Blackness Was Golden.”

Candy Bar Bingo at Scottsdale Park 

Feb. 16, 2023

Ages 8-12 will play for a chance to win the sweet pot for each round of Bingo. Juice will be served. Participants must bring two regular sized candy bars in exchange for two bingo cards.

Film Screening: The Princess and the Frog at West Chicago Avenue Branch

Feb. 18, 2023

Join the library for a screening of The Princess and the Frog, which features Disney’s first Black princess. Rated G.

Salvador Dalí: The Image Disappears at the Art Institute of Chicago

Opens Feb. 18, 2023

This exhibit focuses on the pivotal decade of the 1930s, when Salvador Dalí emerged as the inventor of his own personal brand of Surrealism. It features 25 paintings, drawings and surrealist objects.

Teen Ankara Pillow Craft at Beverly Branch

Feb. 18, 2023

Teens in grades 9-12 can celebrate Black History Month with Ms. Vickie by creating a pillow made of Ankara fabric. Registration required.

Black-ish Family Fun Night at Tuley (Murray) Park

Feb. 21, 2023

Families can enjoy a Black History Month event at Tuley (Murray) Park with music, live book reading, arts and crafts, games and more.

Bunking with the Butterflies at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Feb. 24-25, 2023

Spend the night at the Nature Museum, meet live animals and participate in nature and science inspired activities. You will be able to sleep and enjoy the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven exhibit. A light snack and a continental breakfast will be provided.

Community Black History Exhibit at Brainerd Park

Feb. 24, 2023

Families can explore the Black History exhibit and learn more about Black History through music, games, arts and more.

Black Creativity Career Showcase at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Feb. 25, 2023

In celebration of Black Creativity, kids of all ages can talk with African-American artists, scientists and engineers about innovative work happening in Chicago. There will be demonstrations, hands-on activities and one-on-one conversations.

Family Event | Black History Month at Chicago History Museum

Feb. 25, 2023

Enjoy this family-friendly Black History Month event at Chicago History Museum. More information is coming.

Film Screening: Hidden Figures (2016) at Gage Park Branch

Feb. 25, 2023

See a screening of Hidden Figures at the Gage Park Branch. The movie features African-American female mathematicians who worked for NASA.

Once Upon a Symphony: Stone Soup at Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Feb. 25, 2023

In partnership with the Chicago Children’s Theatre, families can enjoy hearing the story, Stone Soup, while accompanied by the symphony.

Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island

Feb. 25, 2023 

There will be tons of winter activities including live animals, Husky team sleds, nature-inspired winter crafts, snowshoes, marshmallows over the campfire and more. 

Low-Sensory Mornings at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Feb. 26, 2023 

Families can explore the museum on select days in a more sensory-friendly environment before it opens to the general public.

Black History Month Concert Series 2023, Day One at Chicago Symphony Center

Feb. 27, 2023

Enjoy the first part of the Black History Month concert series where Sankofa speaks through music, movement and memory.

Book Discussion: Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred (Graphic Novel) at Rogers Park Branch

Feb. 27, 2023

Join the library to read and discuss Damian Duffy’s graphic novel adaption of Octavia E. Butler’s “Kindred.”

Black History Month Concert Series 2023, Day Two at Chicago Symphony Center

Feb. 28, 2023

Enjoy the second part of the Black History Month concert series. 

Harry Potter: Magic at Play at Water Tower Place

Through May 14, 2023

Enjoy the first-of-its-kind interactive experience, which allows fans of all ages to engage with the Wizarding World like never before. It’s 30,000 square feet of hands-on magical interactivity including games, exploration, sensory activations and more that celebrate Harry’s own journey in discovering the wizarding world.

North/Northwest Suburbs

Courtesy of the Mosaiac Templars Cultural Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Photo by James Kegley

Disney on Ice presents Frozen & Encanto at Allstate Arena 

Feb. 2-5, 2023

At this show, families will enjoy seeing Mirabel, her sisters, Isabela and Luisa, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven and more.

MYAC’s Chamber Music Soiree at Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia

Feb. 5, 2023

See MYAC students perform in their Sunday Chamber Music Soiree series at Bennett Gordon Hall at Ravinia. 

Play Attention at the Kohl Children’s Museum

Feb. 5, 2023

Military or veteran families can join the PMML Public Programs Team at their activity table at Kohl Children’s Museum for a free Sunday afternoon play session.

Long Grove Cocoa Crawl in Downtown Long Grove

Feb. 11, 2023

Join Long Grove for the annual event, which will have multiple cocoa huts set up to serve complimentary hot chocolate. Retailers and restaurants will have cocoa-inspired treats available.

Clayson’s Kids Days at Clayson House Museum

Feb. 12, 2023

Ages 4-12 can join Clayson House on the second Sunday of the month for a fun event for children. There will be a drop-in craft and you’ll be able to visit with their mascot, Clayson, the Family Dog.

MYAC’s Music at the Fort Recital at MYAC Center at Fort Sheridan 

Feb. 12, 2023

See a mix of young soloists in the Sunday Recitals at Six series of monthly recitals at MYAC Center at Fort Sheridan.

Valentine’s Day Storytime & Craft at Palatine Library District – Main Library

Feb. 14, 2023

Ages 2-6 can enjoy a Valentine’s story time with songs, stories and a special craft. Registration required.

Storytime with Matthew Cordell at The Book Stall

Feb. 18, 2023

Come out to The Book Stall to see award-winning children’s author, Matthew Cordell, and celebrate the release of his new book, Evergreen! He’ll be signing books (and drawing a picture in them.

Meet the Lincolns! at Wilmette Historical Museum

Feb. 19, 2023

Head to Wilmette Historical Museum President’s Day weekend for an afternoon with Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. Also, learn more about the presidents with a variety of fun activities. Registration required.

Imagine U: The Snowy Day and Other Stories By Ezra Jack Keats at Hal & Martha Hyer Wallis Theater

Feb. 24-26, 2023

Enjoy this performance based on the book by Ezra Jack Keats. It is packed with humor and fun for ages 3-plus.

MYAC’s Winter Concerts at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall

Feb. 25, 2023

MYAC’s orchestral ensembles will perform at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall throughout the day. One ticket allows you to see two performances. If you would like to attend all three performances, an additional ticket will need to be purchased.

The Negro Motorist Green Book at Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

Through April 23, 2023

This exhibit explains the history of “The Green Book” and includes different artifacts from that time period such as images, business signs, postcards and other firsthand accounts.

South Suburbs

birdwatching-with-kids-credit-nataba
Photo credit: iStock/Nataba

After School-Winter Birds at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Garden

Feb. 1, 2023

Celebrate National Bird Month by making a bird craft and some treats for feathered friends. For Kindergarten to second grade. Registration required.

Wilderness Survival at Cherry Hill Woods

Feb. 3, 2023

This hands-on program demonstrates how to use the natural resources around you at Cherry Hill Woods.

Winter Birding at Sand Ridge Nature Center

Feb. 18, 2023

Join staff to explore and look for winter’s resident birds. Binoculars available for lending. Registration required.

Hot Wheels Classic at Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center

Feb. 24, 2023

Ages 2-6 can bring their fastest Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars and compete for a prize. It includes refreshments. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Western Suburbs

Photo credit: IKEA Bolingbrook

Storytime at IKEA Bolingbrook!

Feb. 2, 16, 2023

Ages 2-6 can enjoy a story time at Ikea on the first and third Thursday of every month. Also, free milk and cookies after a librarian from Bolingbrook Fountaindale Public Library reads stories using puppets, music and movement. RSVP required.

Japan Fest 2023 at Oak Park River Forest High School

Feb. 4, 2023

Experience Japanese culture through food, games, crafts, performances and other activities. The theme this year is “Holidays & Festivals.”

Victorian Valentines at DuPage County Historical Museum 

Feb. 4, 11, 2023

Create a Victorian style Valentine using feathers, beads, and bits of fabric. Registration required. 

Free Family Concert with Jim Gill at Bulger Park Fieldhouse

Feb. 5, 2023

This interactive concert is led by musician Jim Gill. It will feature a read-along and sing-along of one of Jim’s musical books, May There Always Be Sunshine. Pre-registration required.

Winter Exploration Day at Thatcher Woods

Feb. 11, 2023

  • Address: Chicago Avenue, west of Thatcher Avenue, River Forest
  • Cost: Free

Families can come out to Thatcher Woods to join in on the winter activities including hikes, broom hockey, orienteering and more.

Free Family Concert with Jim Gill at Liberty Cultural Center

Feb. 12, 2023

This interactive concert is led by musician Jim Gill. It will feature a read-along and sing-along of one of Jim’s musical books, May There Always Be Sunshine. Pre-registration required. 

Valentine’s Sock Hop at Wonder Works at Wonder Works Children’s Museum 

Feb. 12, 2023

This Valentine’s Day Sock Hop features children’s activities including disco ball dancing, crafts, a photo booth, a scavenger hunt and an appearance by Ursa the Wonder Polar Bear.

I Love You To Pieces Craft! at Geneva Public Library District

Feb. 14, 2023

Families can come to the Geneva Public Library District will trace and create their own heart shaped Valentine’s Day craft.

Joe Naper’s Discovery Play – Valentine’s Day at Naper Settlement

Feb. 14, 2023

Ages 3-5 can join Naper Settlement for Joe Naper’s Discovery Play! The theme is Valentine’s Day. Pre-registration is required.

Valentine’s Day Dinner at IKEA Bolingbrook

Feb. 14, 2023

Families can join IKEA Bolingbrook on Valentine’s Day for a four-course dinner featuring a choice of traditional Swedish dishes. Seating is limited.

Love Bug Dance at DuPage Children’s Museum

Feb. 16, 2023

Groove out with Bach to Rock’s family-friendly DJ, indulge in tasty treats from Fiammé, remember the evening with special photo ops, explore a variety of fun activities and play in the museum’s exhibits.

Sister Act Jr. at Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College

Feb. 18-19, 25-26, 2023

This Tony-nominated Broadway musical features powerful gospel music, dancing and a moving story. It has original music by Alan Menken.

Joe Naper’s Discovery Play – Dentists at Naper Settlement 

Feb. 28, 2023

Ages 3-5 can join Naper Settlement for Joe Naper’s Discovery Play! The theme is dentists. Pre-registration is required.

In Pursuit of Happiness: Immigrants in Our Communities at Elmhurst History Museum

Through May 14, 2023

Hear first-person accounts from the DuPage area immigrants and their descendants. You will also see photographs, treasured objects, videos and more.

This post is updated monthly.

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