Families across Chicagoland can celebrate Veterans Day with parades, breakfasts and ceremonies happening Nov. 1–11 that honor those who served. From Wheaton to Brookfield, these Veterans Day events near Chicago bring the community together in gratitude — offering family-friendly ways to learn, remember and show support.
Updated Oct. 30, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Chicago Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
Melrose Park Veterans Day Observance
10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
Join community members, local schools, churches and veterans for this moving ceremony honoring those who have served. The Veterans Park District invites everyone to gather at Bulger Park to reflect and show appreciation for our nation’s heroes.
- Address: Bulger Park, Melrose Park
- Cost: Free
- Area: North/northwest suburbs
- Age fit: All ages welcome
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor ceremony
- Stroller-friendly options: Open park space suitable for strollers; expect crowds during the ceremony
- Parking: Free on-site parking available at Bulger Park
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; outdoor terrain may vary slightly depending on weather
Veterans 5K Run & Walk
10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Celebrate and support veterans at this family-friendly 5K event featuring a run, walk, kids 5K and a free fun run for little ones. Participants must register online in advance; no day-of registration is allowed.
- Address: 1288 Elmwood Road, Rockford
- Cost: Adults $35; children (17 and under) $15; kids fun run (10 and under) free
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Age fit: Kids 5K open to ages 1–17; free fun run for 10 and under
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor course through the forest preserve and around a pond
- Stroller-friendly options: Course details don’t specify stroller access, so families should use caution if bringing a stroller
- Parking: On-site at Mercy Health Sportscore One / Veterans Memorial Park
- Accessibility: No inline skates or dogs allowed on the course; other accessibility details not specified
Richton Park Veterans Day Parade
10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025
Honor and celebrate local veterans at Richton Park’s annual Veterans Day Parade. The parade starts at the Richton Park Metra Station Center and moves west on Sauk Trail to Rich Township High School, followed by a commemorative ceremony with performances, food and more.
- Address: Parade route from Richton Park Metra Station Center to Rich Township High School, Richton Park
- Cost: Free
- Area: South suburbs
- Age fit: All ages welcome
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor parade with indoor post-event ceremony
- Stroller-friendly options: Strollers welcome along the parade route; expect crowds and some walking distance
- Parking: Available near the Richton Park Metra Station and Rich Township High School
- Accessibility: Parade route and ceremony accessible; lane closures on Sauk Trail from 9:45 to 11 a.m.
Winnetka Veterans Day Observance
5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Join the community and the New Trier VFW Post 4831 to honor United States war veterans. The evening includes a presentation of the colors, an honorary guest speaker and a formal closing with taps. This is a free event open to all ages.
- Address: Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka
- Cost: Free
- Area: North/northwest suburbs
- Age fit: All ages welcome
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor ceremony
- Stroller-friendly options: Accessible indoor space suitable for families with young children
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; no sensory-friendly hours listed
Veterans Day Breakfast
8:30–10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Honor Warrenville veterans with a community breakfast buffet open to veterans, their spouses, children and special guests. This free event celebrates local heroes and requires advance registration for each group.
- Address: Warrenville Community Building Gym, 3S240 Warren Ave., Warrenville
- Cost: Free for veterans and their guests
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages welcome
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor breakfast event
- Stroller-friendly options: Indoor space accessible for families with strollers
- Parking: Free parking available at the community building
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; no sensory-friendly hours listed
Veterans Day at Cantigny Park
All day Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Spend Veterans Day exploring Cantigny Park’s scenic grounds and the First Division Museum, dedicated to honoring the legacy of American soldiers. Families can enjoy a peaceful day in the gardens and museum exhibits, with free parking for all visitors in recognition of the holiday.
- Address: 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
- Cost: Free parking for all visitors on Veterans Day; regular admission fees apply on other days
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages welcome
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor and outdoor attractions, including the First Division Museum and gardens
- Stroller-friendly options: Park paths and museum areas are stroller-friendly
- Parking: Free on Veterans Day; typically $6–$16 on other days
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; paved walkways and ramps available throughout the park
Veterans Day Procession
10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Honor local service members at Aurora’s annual Veterans Day Procession and Ceremony. The procession begins at Water Street and Downer Place and concludes at the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum with a rifle salute and ceremony at 11 a.m.
- Address: Parade route from Water Street and Downer Place to the Grand Army of the Republic Military Museum, 23 E. Downer Place, Aurora
- Cost: Free
- Area: Western Suburbs
- Age fit: All ages welcome
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor procession and ceremony
- Stroller-friendly options: Sidewalk viewing areas are accessible for strollers; expect some crowding near the ceremony site
- Parking: Free parking available in nearby public lots and garages in downtown Aurora
- Accessibility: ADA accessible sidewalks and viewing areas; outdoor terrain suitable for wheelchairs and strollers
Brookfield Zoo Veterans Day Celebration
11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Honor service members with a family-friendly ceremony and activities at Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center. See military memorabilia and vehicles, meet ambassador animals and enjoy live performances. Registration is not required.
- Address: Discovery Center at Brookfield Zoo, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield
- Cost: Free admission for active, reservist and retired military with valid ID; regular zoo admission and parking apply for other guests
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages welcome
- Indoor/outdoor: Mostly indoor at the Discovery Center with some displays nearby
- Stroller-friendly options: Zoo paths and Discovery Center are suitable for strollers
- Parking: Paid parking at Main and South Gate lots
- Accessibility: ADA accessible entrances and pathways; no sensory-friendly hours listed
Wheaton Veterans Day Ceremony
10:45–11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Join the Wheaton American Legion and the Wheaton Park District for a brief yet meaningful Veterans Day ceremony at Memorial Park. The community will gather to honor local service members with a final salute at 11 a.m.
- Address: Memorial Park, 225 Karlskoga Ave., Wheaton
- Cost: Free
- Area: Western suburbs
- Age fit: All ages welcome
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor ceremony
- Stroller-friendly options: Open park space accessible for families with strollers
- Parking: Free parking available nearby
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; paved paths and open seating area suitable for wheelchairs and strollers
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