Chicago's affordable afterschool programs are located around the city. ​Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
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Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle
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Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
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Batter up! There are classes for kids of all ages and interests in Chicago.
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Paradise Bay Water Park will cool you down all day. Photo courtesy of the Lombard Park District
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Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
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This August is full of fun things to do in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Howard Street Chalk Fest
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The entering class of Hogwarts.
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Try one of these fun Chicago mini golf courses. Photo courtesy of Diversey Driving Range and Mini Golf
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Chicago has many great swim schools in the area. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Swim School
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Pool Day Birthday Party. Photo by @anjanettew, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
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The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
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The Thompson Strawberry Farm in Bristol, Wisconsin. Photo by the author
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State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
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These swimming spots are perfect for summer birthday parties. Photo courtesy of the Whealan Pool Aquatic Center
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Rides, a children's museum, and more on Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
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It's a block party on State Street with Sundays on State. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance
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There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
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Water comin' at you from all sides! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
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Millennium Park Summer Film Series offers free outdoor movies in Chicago. Photo courtesy of chicago.gov
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Strawberries taste sweeter when you pick them yourself at one of these berry picking farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres
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The Royal Grocer is a Bucktown neighborhood family-friendly restaurant (with tiki torches)!
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St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
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Tinkering Camp in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Dupage Children's Museum
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Stay cool with an outdoor water park near Chicago.
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Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.
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Teen Filmmaking Camp is a summer camp for teens in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Chicago Filmmakers
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Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva
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Art summer camps are popular in Chicago. Photo courtesy of ChiArts
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​Chicago History Museum located in Old Town. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
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Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
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Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
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Play inside again at places like Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place
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Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
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Have some fun in the water even in the winter at one of these indoor water parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort
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The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
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An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
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Head to the free Artist's Studio on cold and rainy days. ​Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
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Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
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There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes
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Family-friendly and voted one of the top 5 escape rooms in the USA! Photo courtesy of Escape Factor in Forest Park
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Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
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Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly
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Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Photo by @zoblue, Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
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The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
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Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.
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There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
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Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
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Dine with a view at any Chicago riverfront restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
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Chicago's museums are some of the top attractions in the city. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
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Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.
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Chalk Howard Street is one of the street festivals in Chicago this weekend. Chalk art by Anat Ronen, photo courtesy of Chalk Howard Street
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Holiday Break in Chicago: 25 Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's Eve

Harry Potter Magic at Play photo courtesy of the event
Harry Potter Magic at Play photo courtesy of the event
12/18/22 - By Siobhan Adcock

Looking for things to do over holiday break in Chicago? We've got you covered with holiday and Christmas break activities.

Chicago public schools are closed for the 2022-2023 school year holiday break from December 23, 2022 to January 6, 2023, so there are at least two weeks of fun to be had with the kids. That's one way of looking at it ... the other way is "Oh my goodness, there are two whole weeks of days to fill with activities that keep kids occupied!" Luckily, we rounded up dozens of things to do in Chicago with kids during holiday break, and they're all events and activities that keep kids active, engaged, and happy—not just busy. There's a basketball game, Nights of Lights, fort building, outdoor exploration, and loads of free activities for Chicago kids.

Keep an eye on our event calendar for fresh ideas every day. In case of emergency, break the glass and start working your way down this list of snowy day boredom busters.

Until January 9, parents: Stay strong. You can do this!

Sign up for our free newsletters to get local events and picks delivered straight to your inbox.

 

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Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry

Free Activities in Chicago During Winter Break

Art on the Mart: Funtime Unicorn: Ruby Rides Through Four Seasons

Daily through December 30—Downtown
Families can watch as works of art are projected on The Merchandise Mart, while listening to a variety of unique music. The show is about 30 minutes long and repeats at 7:30 pm and 8:00 p.m. each night this spring. READ MORE

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Daily through January 1, 2023—Lincoln Park
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo has been a favorite holiday event for more than 25 years, with light displays and seasonal activities throughout the zoo. The event is free on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and $5 all other days. READ MORE

Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville

Daily through December 31, 2022—Wrigleyville
Fröhliche Weihnachten! Taste a lit bit of Germany during the holiday season at this authentic outdoor market. READ MORE

Snow Day! Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory

Daily through January 8, 2023
The Garfield Park Conservatory hosts its annual holiday flower show. This year, the theme is "Snow Day!" and features a variety of textures and hues of white, silver and pink, this wintry exhibit features scented geraniums, pansies, sweet alyssum, poinsettias and more, creating an illusion of a snow-covered garden. There will also be a 12-foot Christmas tree made of hundreds of white poinsettias. READ MORE

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

Thursdays through Mondays through January 29, 2023—Magnificent Mile
This fall, wizards and witches of all ages are invited to experience and celebrate a Wizarding World of their own at Harry Potter™: Magic at Play when it makes its worldwide debut at Chicago’s iconic Water Tower Place on Friday, November 11. Created by Superfly X and Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, the first-of-its-kind interactive experience will allow fans of all ages to engage with the Wizarding World like never before through 30,000 square feet of hands-on magical interactivity including games, exploration, sensory activations and more that celebrate Harry’s own journey in... READ MORE

Filament Theatre's FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure

Daily through January 8, 2023—Old Irving Park
Chicago’s Filament Theatre returns with its hit immersive play experience for families FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure, in which Filament transforms into a play space for children and parents to build new worlds using cardboard boxes, sheets, clotheslines and more, November 19, 2022 – January 8, 2023.  This production kick off Filament’s 15th Anniversary of creating work for, by, and with young audiences. READ MORE

Winter WNDRland

Daily through January 2, 2023—West Loop
WNDR Museum, Chicago’s original immersive art and technology experience, invites guests to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season with the return of its Winter WNDRland celebration. From November 27 to January 2, WNDR Museum will feature a brand-new interactive light-up Santa’s Sleigh installation, photos with Santa and holiday-themed elements throughout existing fan favorite installations. READ MORE

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

December 26- 31, 2022— Brookfield
Featuring more than a million LED lights, a 41-foot talking Christmas tree, and a 600-foot tunnel of lights with coordinating music, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic highlights the holidays and loads of animals. READ MORE

Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

Daily through January 7, 2023 (except December 24-26, 2022)—Lisle
Visitors will walk a one-mile path with thousands of lights in displays illuminating the trees, accompanied by music. An awe inspiring display will illuminate the new Grand Garden. Visitors can enjoy some old favorites and new displays. Stop along the way to roast s'mores around a campfire or drink a hot beverage from concession stands.  READ MORE

Lightscapes at Chicago Botanical Gardens

Daily through January 9, 2023 (except December 24-27, 2022)— Glencoe
Go for a stroll down a mile-long path filled with holiday wonder at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. READ MORE

Open Skate at Midway Plaisance

Daily through February 20,2023 — Hyde Park
Midway Plaisance offers open skate for the winter season. READ MORE

Kohlights

Daily through December 31, 2022—Glenview
Kids can walk through a unique light display with a learning glow stick that controls and changes the lights, providing a different experience every time. Visit the pixel play meadow, rainbow arbor, color play tree, rainbow caterpillar, color walk, and rainbow art installation. READ MORE

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light

Daily through January 8, 2023—Museum Campus
The Museum of Science and Industry hosts its dazzling annual Christmas tree exhibit, where guests can enjoy decorated trees inspired by customs and cultures from countries all around the world.  READ MORE

Light Up the Lake

Daily through January 2—Downtown
Enjoy an indoor winter wonderland at Navy Pier, complete with indoor light sculpture displays, ice skating, and visits with Santa. Guests can also enjoy Santa's Merry Main Street gift market and ride the iconic Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. READ MORE

Holiday Bricktacular at LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Daily through January 2, 2023—Schaumburg
Children can enjoy special holiday activities including taking pictures in a life-size sleight built entirely of LEGOs, exploring holiday scenes in LEGO MINILAND, and finding all the LEGO presents throughout the center to win a prize. Tag all photos from the event with #Bricktacular. READ MORE
Celebrate Kwanzaa at Garfield Park, photo by Rodnae Productions, courtesy of Pexels
Celebrate Kwanzaa at Garfield Park, photo by Rodnae Productions, courtesy of Pexels

Single-Day Outdoor Activities During Chicago's Winter Break

Winter Exploration Day

December 28, 2022—Dan Ryan Woods
Forest Preserves of Cook County partners with Portage Park Boy Scouts to teach families about hiking, broom hockey, orienteering, and more. READ MORE

Kwanzaa at Garfield Park

December 31,2022—Garfield Park
Celebrate Kwanzaa at Garfield Park! The Chicago Park District brings art, music, food, vendors and community to the west side for a celebration of the winter holiday. READ MORE

DuPage Hard Water Classic

January 7, 2022—Warrenville
The Chicago area's largest ice-fishing tournament offers prizes for the top three largest bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and northern pike caught at Blackwell Forest Preserve on January 12. READ MORE
Bubble Bash photo courtesy of the DuPage Children's Museum
Bubble Bash photo courtesy of the DuPage Children's Museum

Indoor Events to Keep Kids Busy During Winter Break

Noon Year's Eve Palos Heights

December 30, 2022—Palos Heights
Little revelers who can't make it to midnight can watch the ball drop at noon at the Palos Heights Recreation Center. Festivities include crafts, games and food. READ MORE

Harlem Globetrotters in Chicago

December 27, 2022—South Loop
The Harlem Globetrotters 2023 World Tour presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs is coming with game like never before! Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism, and a non-stop LOL good time. Join the Globetrotters as they go head-to-head against the Washington Generals, who will stop at nothing to try and defeat the world’s winningest team. READ MORE

SOLD OUT DuPage Children's Museum Bubble Bash 2022

December 31, 2022—Naperville
Kids can ring in the new year with their choice of bubbles, confetti, a music launch or a quiet countdown at the DuPage Children's Museum'sAnnual year-end celebration. At the event, kids can enjoy creating wearable art, DIY confetti poppers, or 2D or 3D bubble wands. They can visit Sensoryland, take part in a fluorescent adventure, or visit the photo booth. READ MORE

Candlelight Ballet: “Nutcracker” from Tchaïkovsky & More

December 28, 2022—Pilsen
Beautiful classical music and ballet dancing by candlelight at Thalia Hall enthrall audiences. The show includes numbers from Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Offenbach, and more. No musical or ballet knowledge required. READ MORE

New Year's Eve Family Party at Enchanted Castle

December 31,2022—Lombard
Ring in 2023 at Chicago’s Greatest New Year’s Eve Family Party on Saturday, December 31st from 6 pm to 10 pm! Guests will enjoy our famous New Year’s Buffet including soft drinks and dessert plus each paid guest receives $15 in Game Play, UNLIMITED Select Video Games, 4 Hours of UNLIMITED Go-Karts, Laser Tag, Miniature Golf, Bumper Cars, Catapult Thrill Ride and Quest II Adventure Playland plus a Balloon Drop, Party Favors, New Year’s Toast, and Countdown Celebration. Event is $46.95 per guest and advanced reservations are required. Early booking is recommended. All... READ MORE

Pre-New Year's Eve at Little Beans

December 30,2022—Evanston
Kids can ring in the new year early with a DJ, pizza, punch and play. A countdown to a balloon drop, complete with New Year's Eve swag, will round out the event. READ MORE

Minions Skate or Bowl

January 4, 2022—South Side
Skate or bowl with the Minions from the Despicable Me movies at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center. Skate or shoe rental is $4, Skate Mates can be rented for $5. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Morton Arboretum
Palos Heights Recreation Center
Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center