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MLK Weekend 2023 Best Things To Do in Chicago: Snowflake Scavenger Hunt, MLK Story Walk

Black Creativity Family Day: Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Black Creativity Family Day: Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
1/11/23 - By MommyPoppins

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this MLK, Jr. weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Are you ready for even more days off school? Martin Luther King, Jr. Day means an extra day off just one week after winter break ends. There's plenty to do this weekend and the weather is likely to cooperate for some fun outdoor winter activities. Families can explore Lincoln Marsh at the Snowflake Scavenger Hunt, go snowtrekking in the nature sanctuary at Burnham Park, or enjoy a bonfire with s'mores and more at Winterfest in Itasca.

Celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. by learning about his legacy at the Chicago History Museum or joining in Black Creativity Family Day at the Museum of Science and Industry. Kids can also perform service projects in honor of Dr. King at a Cook County Forest Preserve or Naperville Public Library.

With temperatures in the upper 30s and lower 40s, this could be the perfect weekend for skating (anywhere) or skiing in locations that make their own snow. The long weekend also gives families a great opportunity to plan a day trip to one of our favorite Midwestern locations.

 Here are our top picks for events to attend with your kids this weekend! 

More Things To Do in Chicago this Week with Kids 

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Icicle Picnic: Journey to the Sun, production photo courtesy of The Actor's Gymnasium
Icicle Picnic: Journey to the Sun, production photo courtesy of The Actor's Gymnasium

Things to Do in Chicago On MLK, Jr. Weekend

Icicle Picnic: Journey to the Sun

Wednesday, January 11- Sunday, January 15, 2023—Noble Square
Cabinet of Curiosity is proud to present the family-friendly production, Journey for the Sun, which features live music, beat boxing, giant puppets, ridiculous devices, and transforming sets to tell the story of two brothers who embark on a mythological journey to save the earth from an exploding sun. READ MORE

Snowflake Scavenger Hunt

Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14, 2023—Wheaton
Search Lincoln Marsh for snowflake decorations. Families will learn lots of fun winter facts along the way. Programs starting after 5 p.m. will use flashlights. READ MORE

Magical Starlight Theatre Presents Matilda the Musical

Friday, January 13- Sunday, January 15, 2023—Naperville
Naperville Park District's Magical Starlight Theatre presents Matilda: The Musical based on the classic Roald Dahl book. The story follows Matilda, an exceptional young girl who helps her teacher overcome their obnoxious families and the school's bullying headmistress. READ MORE

Snowtrekking in the Nature Sanctuary at Burnham Park

Friday, January 13, 2023—Burnham Park
The Chicago Parks District hosts snow-trekking at Burnham Park, where participants can learn more about winter birds and wildlife on the prairie. READ MORE

Naperville Plays

Saturday, January 14—Naperville
Fun hands-on activities from the DuPage Children's Museum, Naper Settlement, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, and Naperville Public Library will provide plenty of STEAM fun for DuPage area kids. Visitors can quadruple their fun with these unique partner activities. READ MORE

Wheaton Cocoa Crawl

Saturday, January 14, 2023—Wheaton
Stroll downtown Wheaton for a sidewalk sale and complimentary cocoa. The 2022 event will feature live ice sculpting where visitors choose the sculpture and voting for the best hot chocolate. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland Nature Play Days

Saturday, January 14, 2023—Garfield Park
Garfield Park Conservatory's Nature Educators help kids learn about the beauty of winter outside. Join them for fort building, snowmen, snow angels, snow painting, bird feeder crafts, ice bubbles and more! The event moves inside if the temperature is less than 15 degrees. READ MORE

Buffalo Grove Park District Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, January 14, 2023—Buffalo Grove
Celebrate Lunar New Year early at Buffalo Grove's Community Arts Center with lantern designing, kite decorating, and lunar masks. Asian cuisine, beer wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. READ MORE

The Music of David Bowie for Kids

Sunday, January 15, 2023—Evanston
Rock 'n Roll Playhouse presents a variety tunes originally by David Bowie in a show designed specifically for kids. Paired with games, movement, and stories, the music of this rock icon is part of kids' inspiring journey into music. READ MORE

Family Day with Mary Macaroni at Midwest Coast Brewing

Sunday, January 15, 2023—West Loop
Midwest Coast Brewing opens its doors early so both parents and kids can have fun with kids' performer Mary Macaroni. The show includes magic, music, face painting and balloons while adults can enjoy beer, cider, hard seltzer, or cold brew coffee. Snacks are available for kids, or you can bring your own. Proceeds benefit Breakthrough Urban Ministries in Garfield Park. READ MORE

Brookfield Candy Cane Hunt

Saturday, January 14, 2023—Brookfield
The Village of Brookfield closes out its Candy Cane Lane event by giving kids one last chance to walk through the giant candy canes. After their walk, kids can search for candy canes in the park. Hot chocolate and a special treat will be served at the event. READ MORE

Winterfest at Springbrook Nature Center

Saturday, January 14, 2023—Itasca
Celebrate winter outdoors in Chicago with snow painting, a scavenger hunt, winter crafts, face painting, carnival games, and snow shoeing at Springbrook Nature Center. The event will also include a bonfire with s'mores and hot cocoa. Families can enjoy animal demonstrations including dog sledding, birds of prey, and more. READ MORE

Laser David Bowie

Saturday, January 14, 2023—River Grove
Celebrate the musical legacy of the enigmatic chameleon David Bowie with a laser light show set to his music at the Cernan Earth & Space Center. View thousands of stars and visual effects as you dance to Space Oddity, Under Pressure, Fame, and more Bowie classics. READ MORE

Chicago Royal Princess Ball

Sunday, January 15, 2023—Hoffman Estates
Little princesses can meet their favorites-- Cinderella, Tower Princess, Beauty, Snow Sisters, Mermaid Princess, Sleeping Princess, Frog Princess and more--at this Hoffman Estates event. Enjoy stage performances, dancing and picture opportunities with the princesses from Dream Parties. READ MORE

Harlem Wizards At Downers Grove South

Sunday, January 15, 2023—Downers Grove
Families can enjoy entertaining basketball at the Harlem Wizards game at Downers Grove South High School. The interactive exhibition promises humor and high-flying action. READ MORE
MLK Day of Service photo courtesy of the Cook County Forest Preserves
MLK Day of Service photo courtesy of the Cook County Forest Preserves

Things to Do On Martin Luther King Day in Chicago

MLK Day of Service

Virtual
Commonpoint Queens offers a variety of service projects for volunteers in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. Opportunities are available at the Sam Field Center (Little Neck), Central Queens (Forest Hills), and Youth Opportunity Hub (Jamaica). READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Family Event

Old Town
Visit the Chicago History Museum to reflect on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. with family. The event includes lectures and panel discussions, a youth poetry workshop, a musical performance, and a hands-on history experience. READ MORE

Cook County Forest Preserves MLK Day of Service

Forest Preserves of Cook County
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering at one of Cook County's Forest Preserves. Litter clean up events will take place at Dan Ryan Woods, Schubert's Woods, Sand Ridge Nature Center, and Miller Meadow. READ MORE

Black Creativity Family Day

Museum Campus
Families can explore the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry, and make a craft in collaboration with black artists. Also, participate in Hear We Art™, a community activity led by artist Rachel Gadson, from ILA Creative Studio. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service: Breathe. Peace. Yoga

Chatham
Girls Inc. of Chicago will host the Breathe. Peace. Yoga. event sponsored by McDonald’s at Discover's Shine Bright Community Center in Chatham. The event starts with yoga sessions and includes peace building sessions in celebration of Dr. King. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service: Warm Up America

Naperville
Learn to knit or crochet or use the skills you already have to help create a blanket for Warm Up America in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The blanket will be donated to those in need. READ MORE

Little Miss Ann at Elk Grove Village Public Library

Elk Grove Village
Little Miss Ann with perform an upbeat, lively concert for kids at Elk Grove Village Public Library on Martin Luther King Day. Kids can sing, dance, and jump along! READ MORE
Snowflake Scavenger Hunt photo courtesy of Discover Dupage
Snowflake Scavenger Hunt photo courtesy of Discover Dupage

More Seasonal Activities for Chicago Kids

21 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play

These 21 places keep kids (and parents) happy and warm in Chicago's frigid winters. READ MORE

The Best Places to Snowboard or Ski Near Chicago with Kids

Discover the best spots where Chicago families can ski and shred. READ MORE

Best of January: 18 Top Things To Do In Chicago With Kids

Got the winter blues? Check out these fun events coming in January. READ MORE

Igloos, Carhops, and Greenhouses: Fun Chicago Outdoor Restaurants for Winter Family Dining

Eating in one of these cool (but warm!) spaces is a special treat. READ MORE

Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families

Hit these slopes near Chicago for family-friendly snow tubing this winter season. READ MORE

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Chicago Kids and Families

Places featured in this article:

Naperville Central High School
Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center
Springbrook Nature Center
Cernan Earth & Space Center
Downers Grove South High School
Discover Shine Bright Community Center
Bittersweet Ski and Snowboard Resort
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