Holidays can be a time for families to slow down and enjoy quality time together away from work, school, and daycare. The meaning behind some holidays also opens the door for learning opportunities for little ones. In a city like Chicago, parents can find several interesting activities to do and experience with their children.
Finding the time to plan ahead can be challenging for many parents, and when it comes to raising children, it takes a village. We’re happy to aid your family’s planning process, so we’ve put together a compilation of some interesting and fun things to enjoy with your children on Veterans Day in the Windy City.
Veterans Day tributes
Veterans Day family story time
For this year’s Veterans Day, the West Chicago Public Library and Cantigny are working together to provide a day of storytelling. The stories shared will be appropriate for children in Chicago, and they will honor the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States.
It’s a fun and interactive way for little ones to understand the meaning behind Veterans Day. The library’s staff will read the family-friendly stories that are inspired by heroes. The experience will be capped off with a guest reader who is a veteran.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Veterans Day celebration
Another option for an interactive and child-friendly tribute on Veterans Day is the celebration being planned by the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. Veterans and members of the armed forces can attend for free, and the zoo plans on displaying veterans’ memorabilia to add to the environment.
Performances by the Legacy Girls and Jesse White Tumblers ensure an entertaining experience for parents and their little ones. The experience will end with the posting of the colors and a performance of the National Anthem.
Indoor activities
Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children’s Museum is an excellent option for parents who want to enjoy a day of learning and playing with their children on Veterans Day. Children will explore everything from a multi-level schooner sailing ship to a sensory-packed Tinkering Lab where they can put their creativity to work. It’s a great fit for children from toddlers to school-aged children.
Chicago Toy & Game Fair
Another fun event parents should consider when making Veterans Day plans is the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. Historically, the fair has overlapped with Veterans Day Weekend. Children can enjoy large areas where they can play, use their imaginations, and make new friends.
There will also be plenty of new games for little ones to test, which could give Chicago parents some clues on possible holiday gifts. Inventor showcases will also be held to inspire children to harness and trust in their creative abilities.
Outdoor adventures
Chicago Magnificent Mile Scavenger Hunt
Parents and children will take delight in the excitement of the Magnificent Mile Scavenger Hunt. Participants will get to see several historical sites and buildings in the Windy City while looking for clues. Areas like the World War I Memorial will offer historical context as families work together to solve 20 puzzles and challenges.
Visit Skydeck
Skydeck Chicago provides a neat perspective on Veterans Day for families with young children. Visitors can ascend to the 103rd floor to enjoy 360-degree views and city views, giving a greater appreciation for Chicago, nation, and those who have served it.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise
The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise blends adventure, learning, and family fun, making it a great idea for parents seeking things to do with their children in Chicago on Veterans Day. The cruise will explore the Chicago River while taking those aboard to 50 architectural landmarks that highlight the city’s history, including its bridges. This experience also gives families memorable views of the city and its skyline.
There are plenty of fun activities that parents can plan for their children when Veterans Day arrives in Chicago. These ideas can help get the planning process started and ensure a fun day filled with quality time for parents and children alike.