January is packed with family-friendly activities all around Chicagoland! From inspiring Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations to exciting winter festivals and picturesque outdoor ice skating rinks, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season.
Scroll through our handpicked list of the best January family events in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Looking for even more fun? Don’t miss our packed event calendar filled with activities for every family.
Read more: Find our full list of January events in Chicago Parent’s Events Calendar
Updated Dec. 2, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Chicago Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest event information available for families.
Best January events for Chicagoland families
Family Day: Myths and Legends at MCA Chicago
Jan. 10, 2026 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Address: 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago
- Cost: Free for Family Day attendees
Families are invited to explore a world of folklore and imagination at this hands-on Family Day inspired by the work of Firelei Báez and Yoko Ono. Designed for children under 12 and their grown-ups, this event encourages young visitors to become artists and creators through interactive stations, themed activities and imaginative play. The experience offers an engaging introduction to contemporary art with guidance from museum educators and collaborators.
Family Day: In with the Old at Smart Museum of Art
Jan. 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Address: 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago
- Cost: Free; registration encouraged
Families are invited to explore creativity and sustainability during this hands-on Family Day inspired by the exhibition “Theaster Gates: Unto Thee.” Kids and their grown-ups will reclaim and repurpose underused household objects such as clothing, toys or mugs transforming them into meaningful works of art. The program is designed to help children think about the value of everyday items and how they can be reshaped into something new.
Ice & Lights Fest in Downtown Lemont
Jan. 17, 2026
- Address: Downtown Lemont
- Area: South Suburbs
- Cost: Free
Lemont’s annual Ice & Light Fest features more than 20 ice sculptures on display, live reindeer, marshmallow roasting, live ice carvings and more.
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
Jan. 21-Feb. 1, 2026
- Address: Various locations in Chicago
- Area: City
- Cost: $15-$48
The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival showcases more than 100 puppet performances and events at dozens of venues across the city.
Chicago Kids Company Presents “Peter Pan”
Jan. 23-Feb. 20, 2026
- Address: 5900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago
- Area: Chicago
- Cost: Tickets required
Fly away to Neverland in this family-friendly musical adaptation of the beloved story. With colorful characters, catchy songs and a fun, interactive performance style, this production is perfect for young children and school groups.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party at NOW Arena
Jan. 23-25, 2026
- Address: 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates
- Area: North/Northwest Suburbs
- Cost: Ticket prices coming soon
See Mega Wrex, Bigfoot, Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark, Gunkster and more light up the floor as they smash, crash and compete in epic monster truck battles! Spectacular laser light shows and Hot Wheels toy giveaways, too.
Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island
Jan. 24, 2026 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Address: 1521 S. Linn White Dr., Chicago
- Area: Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can celebrate the magic of winter at this beloved Chicago Park District event featuring outdoor fun, nature activities and hands-on learning. Visitors can watch husky sled dog demonstrations, enjoy live animal presentations, create winter-themed crafts and warm up with hot cocoa by the bonfire. Kids can explore nature play areas while adults take in scenic views of the lakefront and Museum Campus. Polar Adventure Day highlights Chicago’s winter wildlife and natural landscapes, offering a festive and educational outdoor experience for all ages.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Chicago History Museum
Jan. 29, 2026
- Address: 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Area: Chicago
- Cost: Free w/museum admission
Enjoy this annual family-friendly event at the Chicago History Museum. There will be activities and performances for all ages.
Roald Dahl’s “The Enormous Crocodile: The Musical”
Jan. 29–Feb. 1, 2026
- Address: 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Area: Chicago
- Cost: $48 regular; $40 students/seniors; group discounts available
This lively musical brings Roald Dahl’s mischievous tale to life with colorful puppets, catchy songs and plenty of jungle-themed fun. Kids will meet characters like Trunky the Elephant and Muggle-Wump the Monkey as they work together to outsmart the sneaky, child-hungry crocodile. With imaginative staging and a playful dance-party ending, this 60-minute show is an entertaining winter outing for families.
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