October was great, and a lovely fall is well underway in Chicago, with winter moving in fast. Now’s the time to get out there and enjoy the milder weather and sunny days with the family. Need some ideas for some Chicago events to go to this November with the kids?
Here are some great upcoming ways to make the most of the fall days with your family:
1. Children’s film festival
November 1 – 5, 2017
The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF) is the largest film festival for children in North America. This fantastic film festival brings the best in non-violent, value-affirming, culturally diverse films for kids. There are also interactive workshops.
2. Aquarium show
November 3-5 , 2017
Come to the Aquatic Experience at Schaumburg Convention Center to see sea lions, browse the vendors and check out seminars, and of course see the awesome fish on display.
3. Macaroni & cheese festival
November 4, 2017 (noon & 6 p.m.)
Kids love macaroni and cheese! Come take them to taste an astounding array of cheesy dishes from different 50 chefs (examples range from truffle-braised duck to white cheddar and chorizo varieties) at Mac & Cheese Fest at UIC Forum.
4. Family lantern festival
November 11, 2017 (3 to 9 p.m.)
Come get a lantern kit to assemble at the Lanternfest and join the St. Martin’s Parade, plus a bake sale, singing, crafts, and dinner at Dank Haus.
5. Japanese festival
November 11, 2017
Bring the kids to get cultural at the JASC (Japanese American Service Committee) Holiday Delight which celebrates Kodomo Matsuri with classical dance, Ikebana flower arranging, and a craft sale. The kids will enjoy the Japanese food, Taiko drumming, and Santa!
6. French market
November 11 – 12, 2017
If you enjoy your cultural day at the Japanese festival, head on over to the Lycée French Market which has a bistro, chef demos, food trucks, art vendors, and a Saturday night party. Located at 1929 W. Wilson Avenue.
7. Christmas tree lighting
November 17, 2017 (6 p.m.)
Santa Claus will be at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Millennium Park, and you and the family should be too!
8. ZooLights
Along with the always-dazzling light displays at the Lincoln Park Zoo, there are also animals, ice sculptures, visits with Santa, crafts and more.
9. Toy and game fair
November 18-19, 2017
Bring the kids to enjoy new toys and games, costumed characters, tournaments, and stage entertainment at Navy Pier during the Chicago Toy & Game Fair.
10. Thanksgiving Parade
November 23, 2017
The free Thanksgiving Parade is always a big hit with the kids with its exciting floats, marching bands, and giant balloons that stroll down the street northbound on State Street from Congress to Randolph.
11. Christmas caroling
November 24 – December 15, 2017 (Friday 6 p.m.)
Put the jackets on the kids and have them help sing the favorite holiday classics along with the choirs at Millennium Park.
12. Holiday trains in Lincoln Park
November 24, 2017 – Jan. 7, 2018
Bring the kids to the free Holiday Flower Show at Lincoln Conservatory to watch the model trains as they meander through a miniature village set among poinsettias.
13. Holiday trains at the Botanic garden
November 24, 2017 – Jan. 7, 2018
Another fun miniature train set up runs past miniature buildings through an indoor garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Closed Dec. 25.
Mark your favorites on the calendar and enjoy all the fun events coming up in Chicago this November!
